Chicago Immigration Campaign Causes Confusion Amid Federal Intervention Fears

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the start of a new immigration operation in Chicago, sparking confusion and anxiety amid fears of federal intervention. The latest effort targets individuals without legal permission to live in the US who have criminal records.

Blasting sanctuary laws in Chicago and Illinois, DHS's "Operation Midway Blitz" aims to deport 11 foreign-born men with criminal histories. A statement from DHS read: “This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor JB Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the move, accusing the Trump administration of using scare tactics. "Once again, this isn't about fighting crime. That requires support and coordination — yet we've experienced nothing like that over the past several weeks," Pritzker said in a statement. "Instead of taking steps to work with us on public safety, the Trump administration's focused on scaring Illinoisians."

Chicago has been bracing for an influx of immigration agents and possibly the National Guard for two weeks. Numerous protests have cropped up downtown, outside a suburban military base, and at an immigration processing center.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin rejected the operation: “These actions don't make us safer," he said in a statement. "They are a waste of money, stoke fear, and represent another failed attempt at a distraction.”

Chicago City Council member Jeylú Gutiérrez criticized the arrests: “This is about terrorizing our communities,” she said. “But we will not be intimidated.” Five people arrested over the weekend were described as "beloved community members," including one who was on their way to work and another who works as a flower vendor.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed four arrests, citing criminal histories with previous arrests and one conviction for driving under the influence. “ICE has always operated in Chicago,” the agency said in a statement. “We will continue our law enforcement and public safety mission, undeterred, as we surge ICE resources in the city in coordination with our federal partners.”