CHICAGO – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched “Operation Midway Blitz,” a significant immigration enforcement initiative targeting undocumented immigrants accused of committing crimes in Chicago and across Illinois. Announced Monday, September 8, 2025, the operation immediately drew sharp criticism from local and state officials who decried it as unnecessary, unconstitutional, and politically motivated, a stark escalation in the ongoing federal-local conflict over immigration policy.
Operation Midway Blitz Details and Justification
The federal operation, spearheaded by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is explicitly aimed at apprehended “criminal illegal aliens” whom the DHS claims have been drawn to Illinois due to its “sanctuary policies.” According to DHS statements, these policies, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, allegedly provide protection for individuals who pose a risk to public safety. The operation is named in honor of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old college student tragically killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run incident in January 2025, allegedly by Julio Cucul-Bol, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the operation would target “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Chicago,” asserting that “President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message: no city is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens.”
Fierce Opposition from Local and State Leaders
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have led the charge against Operation Midway Blitz. Both officials stated they received no formal notification from the federal government about the operation, a lack of communication they characterized as a deliberate tactic to sow fear. Mayor Johnson vehemently denounced the initiative as “reckless, unconstitutional, militarized immigration enforcement,” citing ICE’s historical record of alleged misconduct and human rights abuses. Governor Pritzker echoed these sentiments, calling the operation an “overreach” and a “scare tactic” that does not address public safety concerns but rather aims to “scare Illinoisians.”
Local leaders and immigrant advocates reported that arrests began as early as Sunday, September 7, with individuals including a street vendor and people awaiting public transport being taken into custody. This suggests that the scope may extend beyond individuals with violent criminal records, fueling concerns among immigrant communities. Chicago has reaffirmed its commitment to its Welcoming City ordinance, directing local law enforcement not to cooperate with federal agents absent a judicial warrant, underscoring the deep divide over immigration enforcement.
Federal Rationale and Political Undercurrents
The launch of Operation Midway Blitz aligns with President Donald Trump’s long-standing rhetoric critical of “sanctuary cities” and his promise of broader crackdowns on crime and illegal immigration. Border Czar Tom Homan had previously indicated that federal action would be expected in “most sanctuary cities across the country.” The administration frequently links crime rates in cities like Chicago to immigration policies. This operation also follows a recent Supreme Court decision that, according to critics, allows federal agents to use factors like language or profession to justify stops for immigration status checks, raising further alarms about potential racial profiling.
President Trump himself stoked controversy with social media posts, including an AI-generated image and references to a “Department of WAR,” though he later clarified his intent was to “clean up our cities” and help “only the criminals” be hurt. Critics, including Senator Dick Durbin, have labeled such operations a “waste of money” and a “failed attempt at a distraction” that stokes fear rather than enhancing safety. The political context is heated, with some suggesting the operation could be timed to coincide with upcoming Mexican Independence Day celebrations in Chicago.
Community Fears and Advocate Responses
The announcement of Operation Midway Blitz has reportedly instilled fear within Chicago’s immigrant communities. Advocacy groups have been actively distributing “know your rights” information and establishing hotlines for reporting ICE activity and seeking legal representation. They point to studies that suggest immigrants, including undocumented individuals, do not commit crimes at higher rates than native-born citizens, questioning the administration’s premise for the crackdown. The potential presence of federal agents near courthouses, where individuals may be voluntarily appearing for hearings, has also been a point of contention, with advocates arguing these are not individuals evading authority but seeking legal status.
The federal government has not specified the operation’s duration, but a procurement document for extended facility rentals suggests a potential deployment of at least one month. As “Operation Midway Blitz” unfolds, it highlights a critical juncture in the NEWS cycle, with national implications for immigration policy, federal-state relations, and the treatment of immigrant communities. The HEADLINE news from Chicago reflects a continuing struggle between federal enforcement priorities and local sanctuary protections, a debate that is likely to remain TOP and potentially VIRAL in public discourse.
