Trump Administration to Intensify Immigration Arrests in Chicago Despite Resistance from Local Officials

The Trump administration is set to intensify immigration arrests in Chicago, despite resistance from local officials. As part of a new enforcement push called Operation Midway Blitz, more federal immigration agents will be deployed to the city.

The Department of Homeland Security announced the operation, citing Chicago's sanctuary policies as a reason for releasing "dangerous people" back into the community.

"If Trump truly cared about law and order, his administration would provide the Chicago Police Department and community partners with resources to expand promising violence intervention strategies and most importantly, support initiatives that build trust between local law enforcement and Chicagoans."

— Sen. Tammy Duckworth

Illinois' two Democratic senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, criticized the plan, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and inhumane.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also expressed concerns, arguing that reducing crime requires addressing root causes, developing effective policing strategies, and focusing on violence prevention, rather than surges in law enforcement or tough-on-crime crackdowns.

A handful of immigration arrests were made in Chicago over the weekend, with both residents and officials preparing for those numbers to rise as more agents arrive.