Federal Agents Pulled from FBI, DEA, ATF to Power ICE’s Chicago Immigration Blitz

CHICAGO — The U.S. immigration crackdown in Chicago is intensifying as federal agents from across the country are being reassigned to support ICE in its sweeping Operation Midway Blitz. The move has sparked mounting concern that critical investigations into organized crime, public corruption, and violent gangs are being sidelined in favor of immigration enforcement.

Agents Redirected to ICE

According to reports, personnel from the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service are among those diverted to ICE operations in the Chicago metropolitan area. These agents, who were once focused on tackling racketeering, drug cartels, and corruption scandals, are now deployed in early-morning raids, detentions, and street-level immigration enforcement actions.

Officials estimate that tens of thousands of federal officers nationwide have had their assignments shifted to immigration duties, reflecting the Trump administration’s heightened priority on deportation and border security. In Chicago, which has a large immigrant population and longstanding sanctuary city policies, the blitz has already led to hundreds of arrests.

The Cost of Reassignment

Critics warn the reallocation of resources could weaken efforts against threats such as drug trafficking, fraud, and violent gang activity. Former prosecutors in Illinois say high-stakes corruption and organized crime cases may lose momentum as investigators are pulled off long-term assignments.

“Every agent diverted to immigration raids is one less agent tracking drug shipments, dismantling cartels, or rooting out corruption,” said one former federal attorney. “Public safety cannot afford to take that hit.”

Some of those reassigned were reportedly involved in high-profile investigations, raising concerns that cases on the verge of breakthroughs could stall indefinitely.

ICE’s Defense

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security defend the operation as a matter of national security. Officials argue that immigration enforcement has grown too complex for ICE to handle alone, necessitating assistance from other agencies. They insist the majority of arrests involve individuals with criminal histories or outstanding removal orders.

Still, ICE acknowledges that a substantial portion of arrests under Operation Midway Blitz are “collateral arrests”—individuals detained incidentally while pursuing other targets. Civil liberties groups argue this practice leads to sweeping up immigrants with no criminal record, heightening community fear and distrust.

Broader Fallout

Local leaders in Chicago say the federal government’s decision undermines trust and threatens to weaken broader law enforcement priorities. By prioritizing immigration enforcement above corruption, narcotics, and violent crime, critics argue the administration risks damaging public safety and eroding confidence in federal justice.

The political stakes are also high. Supporters of the crackdown applaud the administration for taking decisive action against illegal immigration. Opponents warn the strategy sacrifices effective crime fighting for political theater.

Looking Ahead

As Operation Midway Blitz continues, the central question remains: How much should America’s federal law enforcement resources be consumed by immigration enforcement? With Chicago serving as a testing ground, the ripple effects of this policy shift could reshape the balance of U.S. law enforcement priorities nationwide.