CHICAGO – Operation Midway Blitz, a nationwide enforcement effort led by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has resulted in over 900 arrests across Illinois as of Thursday, according to DHS officials.The operation, which began September 8th, focuses on apprehending individuals with criminal records and those who pose a threat to public safety.
The surge in arrests marks a significant escalation in federal immigration enforcement within the state. Operation Midway Blitz was initiated in response to the death of Katie Abraham, a woman killed earlier this year in a hit-and-run crash allegedly caused by a Guatemalan national living in the U.S. without legal status.DHS stated the operation honors Abraham’s memory by targeting individuals who may pose similar risks to communities.
Recent enforcement actions include a large-scale immigration raid earlier this week in the 7500 block of South Shore Drive in chicago, resulting in the custody of at least 37 undocumented immigrants, some with alleged ties to the tren de aragua gang. DHS shared video of the raid on social media, stating, “To every criminal illegal alien: Darkness is no longer your ally. We will find you.”
Additionally, agents apprehended a man from Honduras near Navy Pier while wearing a life vest. He had been previously deported five times, making this his sixth time in federal custody.
Chicago police did not participate in the South Shore raid, according to previous FOX 32 reporting. Protests have occurred outside a federal immigration processing center in Broadview, leading to clashes with agents and subsequent arrests.
DHS has not yet released a detailed breakdown of all 900+ arrests, but continues to conduct enforcement actions throughout Illinois.
