CHICAGO, IL – The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has initiated a significant, stepped-up immigration enforcement operation in Chicago, dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz,” a move that has ignited sharp criticism from local leaders and sown fear within immigrant communities. The operation, launched under the directive of the Trump administration, targets undocumented immigrants, with federal officials vowing to apprehend those deemed “criminal illegal aliens.”
Background: Escalating Rhetoric and Sanctuary City Standoffs
The “Operation Midway Blitz” is part of a broader, aggressive immigration enforcement agenda championed by President Donald Trump, focusing particularly on cities with sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The administration has increasingly used strong rhetoric to link immigration to crime in cities like Chicago, framing the enforcement surge as necessary for public safety. This operation follows similar federal actions in other major cities.
“Operation Midway Blitz” Unfolds
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the launch of “Operation Midway Blitz” in early September 2025, describing it as an effort to target “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them.” Approximately 300 federal agents have been deployed, utilizing Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago as a logistical hub. Reports indicate that ICE agents began enhanced, targeted operations on the ground, leading to initial arrests.
DHS stated that the operation’s goal is to remove dangerous individuals and uphold immigration laws, while proponents, including White House border czar Tom Homan, have defended the aggressive tactics, arguing they reduce risk to ICE officers and the public. ICE Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin echoed these sentiments, asserting the operation would focus on “criminal illegal aliens.”
Local Leaders Denounce Operation, Community Braces for Impact
The operation has met with widespread condemnation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both Democrats. Governor Pritzker voiced concerns that the timing of the raids might coincide with Chicago’s Mexican Independence Day celebrations, a period of cultural significance for a large portion of the city’s population.
Mayor Johnson, who stated the city received no prior notice of the enhanced federal action, signed an executive order aimed at protecting Chicago residents. This order prohibits Chicago Police Department officers from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement or military personnel during patrols or civil immigration operations. “This order affirms that the Chicago Police Department will not collaborate with military personnel on police patrols or civil immigration enforcement,” Mayor Johnson declared, emphasizing that city officers are focused on driving down crime.
Advocacy Groups Raise Alarms, Residents Warned of Rights
Immigrant advocacy groups, including the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights, have been working overtime, reporting a surge in calls from concerned residents. They have distributed “know your rights” information, urging individuals to remain calm, not to open their doors without a warrant, and to assert their right to remain silent. There have been claims from community members and alderpersons that arrests have been random and targeted ordinary workers and business owners, rather than solely focusing on individuals with criminal records, despite ICE’s claims.
“What we’re experiencing today is not normal. People going out in the street and being snatched from their family members is not normal,” stated Rey Wences of the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Some residents have organized neighborhood watch efforts to alert others to potential ICE activity. Local news outlets have reported on social media posts and eyewitness accounts documenting encounters with ICE agents, though official verification of specific individuals and circumstances has been limited.
Data and Disputed Claims
While DHS has stated the operation targets “criminal illegal aliens,” data from the TRACK website indicated that nearly 70% of those in ICE custody at the time did not have criminal convictions. The Washington Post also noted that recent research suggests immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born Americans, and Chicago’s homicide rate in the first eight months of 2025 was among its lowest in 35 years.
However, ICE has confirmed arrests, citing charges for some individuals that included aggravated sexual assault of a child, domestic battery, and armed robbery, though it was unclear if these individuals had been convicted of these charges. The agency maintains its mission is to uphold public safety by removing dangerous individuals from communities.
Broader Context and Future Concerns
The “Operation Midway Blitz” underscores a continuing tension between federal immigration enforcement priorities and the policies of “sanctuary cities.” Critics argue such operations are designed to punish Democratic-led cities and that the aggressive tactics can erode trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, potentially undermining public safety in the long run. The administration’s use of strong rhetoric and its engagement with figures like rightwing influencer Ben Bergquam, who accompanied ICE agents during raids, have further polarized the discourse surrounding the operation.
The full scope and duration of “Operation Midway Blitz” remain uncertain, with DHS not providing specifics on when the operation will conclude. The news continues to be a trending topic in Chicago, as residents and officials navigate the immediate impact and brace for potential further enforcement actions.
