Full Breakdown
Chicago's Snowplow Naming Contest Highlights "Abolish ICE"
2/2/2026, 1:55:11 AM
Overview of the Contest
Chicago's annual "You Name a Snowplow" contest has revealed its 25 finalists for 2026, with the name "Abolish ICE" emerging as a prominent entry. This contest, organized by the city's Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), allows residents to vote for their favorite names from a pool of over 13,300 submissions. Voting is open until February 14, 2026, and participants can select up to six names, one for each of the city's six snow districts.
Finalists and Voting Process
The finalists include a mix of humorous and culturally relevant names, such as "Caleb Chilliams," "Chance the Scraper," and "Cheryl Scott Warned You About This." The complete list of finalists is as follows:
1. Abolish ICE
2. Blizzard of Oz
3. Buckingham Plowntain
5. Chance the Scraper
6. Cheryl Scott Warned You About This
9. Italian Ice Breaker
10. Its Time for the Plowcolator
11. Joffrey Plowlet
12. Kevin McPlowister
13. Live, Laugh, Plow
14. Minnie Minosnow
15. Monty the Piping Plower
16. Mueve La Nieve (Move the Snow)
17. Mustard, Snow Ketchup
18. Plow it Through the Garden
19. Plowasaurus Sue
20. Plowin 6-7 Inches
21. Pope Frio XIV
22. Stephen Coldbert
23. Svencoolie
24. This isn't Florida
25. Urbs in Hortsnow
Residents can cast their votes at Chicagoshovels.org, and the winning names will be displayed on snowplows across the city.
Significance of "Abolish ICE"
The name "Abolish ICE" stands out not only for its popularity—accounting for approximately 70% of the submissions—but also for its political implications. Mayor Brandon Johnson has publicly endorsed the name, reflecting a broader sentiment against federal immigration enforcement actions. The name's prominence has sparked discussions about immigration policy in Chicago, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
Official Statements & Responses
Cole Stallard, Commissioner of the DSS, expressed gratitude for the community's engagement, stating, "Chicagoans have once again displayed their unmatched creativity and civic pride in submitting names for this year’s contest." Mayor Johnson's endorsement of "Abolish ICE" has also drawn attention, as it aligns with his stance on immigration reform.
Criticism & Opposition
While the contest has garnered significant public interest, it has not been without controversy. Some critics argue that naming a snowplow "Abolish ICE" trivializes serious discussions about immigration policy. Additionally, there were numerous other submissions related to ICE that did not make the finalist list, indicating a strong sentiment among residents regarding immigration issues.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a notable discrepancy in the number of submissions for "Abolish ICE," with reports indicating that it received around 9,300 entries, while other sources suggest it constituted about 70% of all submissions. This variation highlights the need for clarity regarding public sentiment on this issue.
What's Next
As voting continues until February 14, 2026, the city anticipates a lively engagement from residents. The winning names will not only be displayed on snowplows but will also provide an opportunity for photo sessions with the plows for those who submitted winning names, further fostering community involvement.
