A federal crackdown on undocumented migrants has begun in Chicago under the name "Operation Midway Blitz." The city had been preparing for more than two weeks, anticipating the arrival of federal agents and even a possible deployment of the National Guard. The first arrests heightened anxiety in Latino neighborhoods and sparked protests. Local officials and rights advocates accuse Donald Trump’s administration of intimidating residents, while the Department of Homeland Security insists the operation is about restoring order.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the launch of a new immigration operation in Chicago, escalating tensions in a city that in recent days had braced for federal intervention heavily promoted by Donald Trump.
The initiative, targeting undocumented individuals with criminal records, has been named "Operation Midway Blitz." Photos of 11 foreign-born men slated for deportation were published on social media.
"This ICE operation targets criminal illegals who have flocked to Chicago and Illinois knowing that Governor JB Pritzker and his ‘sanctuary city’ policies will protect them and allow them to roam freely on American streets," the DHS statement read.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who has been engaged in a heated exchange with Donald Trump in recent days, condemned the start of the operation. Along with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, he has defended the state’s "sanctuary city" laws, which prohibit local police from cooperating with immigration authorities. They argue that the Trump administration is using intimidation tactics, particularly against Latino residents of America’s third-largest city.
"Once again, this is not about fighting crime. That requires support and coordination—we have seen none of that in recent weeks," Pritzker’s statement read. "Instead of working with us to ensure safety, the Trump administration has focused on intimidating the people of Illinois."
Anticipation of Federal Intervention and Protests in the City
Chicago has been on edge for two weeks amid expectations of mass arrivals of immigration agents and possibly the National Guard. Numerous protests have taken place downtown, at a suburban military base DHS plans to use, and near the immigration processing center where the most activity is expected.
Earlier, Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles and used his direct legal authority to assert control over Washington, D.C. A court later ruled the deployment in Los Angeles illegal, but the administration scored a victory elsewhere: the US Supreme Court lifted a ban that had prevented agents from stopping people solely on the basis of race, language, occupation, or place of residence.
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, condemned the new operation in Chicago. "These actions do not make us safer," he said. "They are a waste of money, a stoking of fear, and yet another failed attempt at distraction."
For now, it remains unclear what role the program announced on Monday will actually play in the anticipated "wave" of federal intervention in Chicago.
First Arrests and Local Community Reaction
Uncertainty deepened over the weekend after several arrests in Chicago sparked fears that they marked the beginning of a broader campaign and galvanized local activist networks.
"This is about intimidating our communities," said Chicago City Council member Jaylu Gutierrez. "But we will not be cowed."
According to her and migrant rights advocates, the five detainees are "respected members of the community." Some were arrested on their way to work; one of them sells flowers.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed four arrests but released minimal information, citing only prior convictions or arrests, including one case of drunk driving. "ICE has always operated in Chicago," the agency said. "We will continue to carry out our mission of ensuring public safety and law enforcement, expanding our presence in the city in coordination with federal partners."
DHS added that the operation announced Monday will be named after Kathy Abraham, one of two Illinois residents killed in a car accident in January. A grand jury has indicted a 29-year-old Guatemalan national who fled the scene. He also faces federal charges related to the use of false documents.