ICE Arrests Reported in Wheaton and Bensenville Amid “Operation Midway Blitz”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carried out arrests in Wheaton and Bensenville, Illinois, this week, as part of a broader immigration enforcement effort known as Operation Midway Blitz. The actions, captured on video and widely shared on social media, have sparked fresh concerns over immigration policy, enforcement tactics, and community trust.

What Happened in Wheaton and Bensenville

In Wheaton, multiple ICE vehicles and agents were seen near a 7-Eleven convenience store. Videos show officers detaining at least one person, though federal officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of arrests in that location.

In Bensenville, witnesses reported seeing an individual escorted in handcuffs by ICE agents. Similar to Wheaton, officials have not released the identities or immigration status of those taken into custody.

The arrests appear to be part of coordinated operations across the Chicago suburbs, with additional enforcement activity reported in nearby communities.

Operation Midway Blitz

These arrests fall under Operation Midway Blitz, a newly launched Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiative targeting what officials describe as “criminal illegal aliens.” According to DHS, the operation is aimed at removing individuals with outstanding deportation orders or serious criminal records.

However, community leaders and activists argue that the operation is sowing fear far beyond its intended targets. With unmarked vehicles and plainclothes agents reportedly involved in some arrests, many residents have raised questions about transparency and accountability.

Political and Community Reaction

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle sharply criticized the raids, calling some of the tactics “unacceptable.” She emphasized the need for clarity on how arrests are carried out and whether civil rights are being fully respected.

Immigrant rights groups have also spoken out, warning that such operations can intimidate entire communities, discourage cooperation with law enforcement, and leave families living in constant fear of sudden detention.

Meanwhile, supporters of the crackdown argue that enforcing immigration laws and removing individuals with criminal backgrounds is essential for public safety and restoring confidence in the immigration system.

Unanswered Questions

Despite widespread coverage, several details remain unclear:

• Number of arrests: ICE has not confirmed how many individuals were detained in Wheaton, Bensenville, or across the broader operation.

• Target criteria: DHS has only described detainees as “criminal illegal aliens,” leaving uncertainty about the exact standards for enforcement.

• Future scope: It is not yet known whether Operation Midway Blitz will expand further into other suburbs or continue long-term.

The Bigger Picture

The events in Wheaton and Bensenville highlight the deep divide over immigration enforcement in the United States. For some, these actions represent a necessary step to uphold the rule of law. For others, they illustrate the human cost of aggressive tactics that can disrupt communities and fuel mistrust.

As Operation Midway Blitz unfolds, Illinois finds itself at the center of a national debate over how far the government should go in enforcing immigration law—and what those choices mean for families, neighborhoods, and civil liberties.