❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ in Chicago to detain illegal immigrants with criminal histories.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D), and ICE.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced on Monday, September 8, 2025, targeting Chicago, Illinois.
💬KEY QUOTE: “This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets.” – DHS
🎯IMPACT: Over 1,000 arrests have been made in Chicago this year, with the operation focusing on reducing crime and enforcing immigration laws.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has initiated ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ in Chicago, Illinois, as part of President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to remove millions of illegal immigrants who entered the United States under former President Joe Biden. The operation aims to detain illegal immigrants with criminal records, targeting those who have been protected under Illinois’ sanctuary policies.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the operation on Monday morning, stating that it would focus on individuals who have taken advantage of the state’s policies to evade federal immigration laws. DHS specifically criticized Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) for shielding “criminal illegal aliens” and allowing them to remain on American streets.
“This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets,” DHS stated on X (formerly Twitter). The operation was launched from a naval base on Lake Michigan several miles north of Chicago. The effort comes in the wake of the tragic death of Katie Abraham, who was killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run by a Guatemalan illegal immigrant.
“DHS is launching Operation Midway Blitz in honor of Katie Abraham, who was killed in Illinois by a criminal illegal alien who should have never been in our country. This operation will target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Chicago,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. She added: “For years, Governor Pritzker and his fellow sanctuary politicians released Tren de Aragua gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers on Chicago’s streets—putting American lives at risk and making Chicago a magnet for criminals. President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message: no city is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens.”
ICE has reported over 1,000 arrests in Chicago so far this year. The city is home to an estimated 150,000 illegal immigrants, representing about eight percent of households. Gov. Pritzker has vowed to challenge the federal government’s actions in court, while President Trump has hinted at deploying National Guard troops to support ICE agents and address crime in the city.
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