South Shore Residents Made Thousands Of Distress Calls To City Before Massive Federal Raid

Residents of a troubled South Shore apartment building made over 3,000 distress calls to city services before a federal immigration raid on September 30, 2025. The calls included reports of broken elevators, flooding, drug activity, and other serious concerns. During the raid, part of Operation Midway Blitz, federal agents arrested at least 37 individuals and claimed the building was linked to gang activity. Following the raid, city officials expressed urgency in clearing the building due to unsafe conditions, as it has failed its last 15 inspections. Many complaints to the city were closed shortly after being reported, often without resolution.

A Cook County judge noted that the city and police were contacted multiple times regarding the building, but officials did not respond, leading to federal involvement. A 311 complaint described the building as “uninhabitable,” highlighting the severe living conditions faced by residents. The building's owner is currently facing foreclosure, emphasizing the financial struggles associated with the property.