Salt Trucks in Chicago Were Not Used to Block ICE

Salt trucks, normally used in Chicago winters to clear ice from roads, were not used this weekend to stop ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), the city said. This is despite claims made in videos shared on social media.

Chicago has been preparing for increased immigration enforcement and the possible arrival of the National Guard, following statements from President Donald Trump about targeting the city. Videos over the weekend showed many salt trucks in the city, and some people on social media said they were being used to block ICE and federal immigration enforcement.

That wasn’t true.

The city told NBC News that the salt trucks were there “to support public safety efforts related to a planned protest and the taste of Chicago.”

A spokesperson for the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation said using salt trucks in this way is a “routine practice.”

Thousands of people protested across chicago on Saturday to oppose ICE activity and any deployment of the National Guard. A Mexican Independence Day parade and celebration in the Pilsen neighborhood happened as planned, but had a smaller crowd than usual, NBC Chicago reported.

An aide for illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker told NBC News on Monday that they are watching for reports of federal law enforcement arrests over the weekend, but haven’t seen anything yet.