ICE Launches Operation Midway Blitz With Immigration Raids In Chicago

“Operation Midway Blitz” officially began in Chicago, with federal immigration raids targeting undocumented individuals in the area. The initiative, announced by the Department of Homeland Security, focuses on arresting those labeled as “criminal illegal aliens. ” Local leaders, including Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, defend sanctuary policies designed to protect immigrants from federal enforcement actions. Reports of recent arrests on the Southwest Side indicate a broader crackdown, causing alarm among residents and advocates.

Rey Wences of the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights noted that the operation represents an escalation of previous enforcement efforts. Among those detained was a well-known flower vendor, highlighting the raids' impact on local communities. ICE agents also conducted operations near the Cook County Courthouse, further indicating a significant federal presence. Local officials stress adherence to state law while navigating the complexities of federal immigration enforcement.