Southwest Side Workers Taken By ICE As At Least 12 Arrested In City By Masked Agents

This week, federal immigration agents arrested at least 12 individuals across Chicago, linked to Operation Midway Blitz, which targets undocumented immigrants. Seven arrests occurred on the Southwest Side, while five took place on the Northwest Side. Witnesses described agents arresting people near a Home Depot, where they chased suspects in the parking lot, prompting fear among bystanders. Local organizers reported an uptick in federal agent sightings, raising concerns about the aggressive tactics employed during these arrests. Community leaders criticized the agents for their refusal to identify themselves and for not presenting warrants, highlighting the distress felt by families of detainees.

One detained individual was a Venezuelan asylum seeker with two young children, emphasizing the personal impact of these actions. Cook County officials have condemned the operations, expressing the need for more transparent practices. The situation reflects broader concerns about immigration enforcement in the city and its effects on local communities.