‘Abolish ICE’ Wins Chicago’s Snowplow Naming Contest

NYT Homepage

by Julie Bosman

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

This year’s Chicago Snowplow Naming Contest took a political turn, with “Abolish ICE” emerging as the winning name from over 13,000 submissions. The contest, which typically attracts lighthearted and punny suggestions, saw voters choose a name that reflects growing public sentiment against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This shift in tone came after a controversial immigration crackdown by the Trump administration in Chicago, with nearly 40,000 people casting votes for the top 25 finalists. Chicago’s annual contest invites residents to name one of its 300 snowplows. Each year, six new trucks are named by public vote, and this year’s winning entries ranged from humorous nods to local culture to pointed political statements. While “Abolish ICE” took first place, other notable names included “Stephen Coldbert,” a tribute to the comedian who got his start in Chicago, and “Pope Frío XIV,” honoring a beloved local figure. The contest has grown increasingly significant as a platform for civic engagement and political expression. Organized by Mayor Lori Lightfoot since 2023, it aims to showcase Chicagoans’ creativity and pride while celebrating the city’s snow-clearing efforts. This year’s record

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026