Feds Intensify Immigration Raids in Chicago as Operation Midway Blitz Expands

Federal immigration authorities have escalated enforcement efforts in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, launching a new wave of arrests and operations under the banner of Operation Midway Blitz. The intensified raids mark a significant expansion of federal action in Illinois, prompting sharp criticism from state leaders and sparking widespread fear among immigrant communities.

Raids Sweep Across the Region

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), supported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), carried out coordinated raids in multiple areas, including Elgin, Franklin Park, Wheaton, and Bensenville. Residents reported seeing unmarked vehicles, heavily armed agents, and early morning operations.

One raid in Elgin even involved DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who joined federal officers during pre-dawn activity. In Franklin Park, a traffic stop turned deadly when an ICE agent fatally shot a man who allegedly dragged the officer with his vehicle. The incident has intensified scrutiny over the government’s tactics.

Operation Midway Blitz

The Chicago-area raids are part of Operation Midway Blitz, a nationwide enforcement initiative first launched in Los Angeles. Federal officials describe the mission as targeting “criminal illegal aliens,” with the goal of removing individuals who pose threats to public safety.

Commander Gregory Bovino of CBP announced on social media that his team had arrived in Chicago “to continue the mission we started in Los Angeles,” signaling that more raids are expected.

Community and Political Backlash

Illinois officials have voiced alarm over the sudden escalation. Governor J.B. Pritzker criticized federal agencies for failing to coordinate with local law enforcement, warning that the lack of communication puts both officers and residents at risk.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle also condemned the tactics, describing them as “heavy-handed” and “unacceptable.” Community organizations and immigrant rights groups are raising urgent concerns, arguing that the raids are instilling fear across neighborhoods, deterring families from seeking public services, and damaging trust in law enforcement.

Hotlines set up by advocacy groups have reported a surge in calls from residents anxious about ICE activity. Many are worried that individuals without criminal records may also be caught in the sweep.

Unanswered Questions

Despite the heightened visibility of these operations, key details remain unclear. ICE has not disclosed how many individuals have been detained or the criteria used to determine targets. The scope and duration of Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago also remain uncertain.

The Bigger Picture

The Chicago raids reflect the federal government’s broader immigration crackdown and highlight the deep national divide over enforcement. Supporters argue that stricter action is needed to uphold immigration law and protect communities from crime. Opponents warn that aggressive tactics erode civil liberties, endanger due process, and create fear among immigrant families.

As Operation Midway Blitz expands, Chicago is emerging as a central battleground in the ongoing debate over America’s immigration policies—one where law, politics, and human lives collide in increasingly urgent ways.