CHICAGO — Chicago has temporarily shut down the online application system for its CityKey ID program after receiving a subpoena from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requesting user data — a move that has stirred significant backlash and sparked fear among immigrant communities.
ICE Subpoena Prompts Immediate Action
The online CityKey portal, which allows Chicago residents — including undocumented immigrants — to apply for municipal IDs, was taken offline after ICE issued a subpoena for applicant data. The IDs are a form of government-issued identification that doesn’t require proof of immigration status, gender identity, or criminal history.
City Clerk Anna Valencia, who oversees the program, made the decision amid rising concerns about the federal government’s push to access immigrant records. According to Fox News, Valencia stated:
“We’re going to assess what’s happening daily… and if we feel we are in a different place, we can easily turn the online platform back on.”
Data Protection and Legal Grey Areas
While no data has yet been handed over, the suspension reflects broader concerns around the protection of personal information submitted online. A 2024 amendment to Chicago’s municipal code explicitly stated that applicant information submitted online would be stored, which triggered alarm among immigrant advocates.
Valencia insisted that no information had been shared with ICE, saying:
“No data was given over to ICE, period, zero, for the CityKey.”
Still, the subpoena’s legality remains in question. The city currently maintains that it does not have to comply with ICE’s administrative subpoena, but if the federal agency escalates with a court order, it could lead to a contentious legal battle.
Political Ramifications
This development lands in the middle of President Trump’s renewed immigration enforcement efforts, which have been met with resistance in sanctuary cities like Chicago. Trump critics, including Valencia, argue that the move is an attempt to “instill fear” and dismantle local autonomy.
“This is Trump doing a witch hunt and intentionally trying to instill fear in people so that they can overtake our democracy,” said Valencia.
Program Origins and Changes
Originally launched in 2017, the CityKey program was designed to circumvent public records laws by requiring in-person applications to limit data retention. However, as the migrant crisis escalated, the city opened an online portal — making stored documents susceptible to federal subpoenas.
Now, officials are facing pressure to revise how data is collected and stored digitally. Immigrant rights groups fear the online format inadvertently made vulnerable populations targets for ICE enforcement.
Do you believe local governments should limit online access to public services if it risks exposing personal data? Share your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
