‘Abolish ICE’ among new Chicago snowplow names for 2026

The city of Chicago has announced its six winners for its annual snowplow naming contest, and one protest against federal immigration enforcement action was among them.

Numerous names pertaining to ICE and other agencies were submitted to the “You Name a Snowplow” contest, put on annually by the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, but the ‘Abolish ICE’ name was nominated by approximately 70% of the more than 13,000 submissions in the contest, according to Block Club Chicago.

That name was one of six winners announced by DSS on Monday, and the newly named plow will be unveiled later this year.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson had endorsed the name during the contest’s voting period, which took place in recent weeks.

“This truck being named ‘Abolish ICE’ has my full and complete endorsement,” he said.

There were five other winners of the contest, and most paid tribute to Chicago luminaries.

“Pope Frío XIV,” a play on the name of Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV, was one of those winners, as was “Stephen Coldbert,” named after CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert, who cut his comedic chops at the iconic Second City Theater.

“Caleb Chilliams,” an homage to the “Iceman” Caleb Williams, was a winner named in honor of the Chicago Bears’ quarterback.

“Svencoolie” is named after the iconic television program “Svengoolie,” in which a character played by Rich Koz performs sketches and shows classic horror and science fiction movies.

Finally, the “Blizzard of Oz,” a tribute to “The Wizard of Oz,” was chosen by voters this year.

The new plows join previous winners like “Snower Wacker,” “Ernie Snowbanks,” “Sleet Home Chicago” and “Mrs. O’Learly’s Plow,” among others.

Winners of the contest received city of Chicago merchandise, and will get a picture taken with the snowplows once nameplates are installed.