DHS Launches "Operation Midway Blitz" Immigration Operation in Chicago

Strategic Insights -

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the start of a new immigration operation in Chicago, dubbed "Operation Midway Blitz," which aims to target individuals without legal permission to live in the U.S. with criminal records. The operation is a response to the city's sanctuary laws, which bar coordination between local police and immigration agents. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have defended the state and city's sanctuary laws, accusing the Trump administration of using scare tactics and criticizing the move as a misuse of resources.

Key Takeaways:

  • The operation targets individuals without legal permission to live in the U.S. who have criminal records, with a focus on those who have taken advantage of Chicago's and Illinois' sanctuary laws.
  • The operation is named "Operation Midway Blitz" and will be conducted in coordination with federal partners, including the National Guard.
  • The National Guard was deployed to Los Angeles over the summer and was part of Trump's unprecedented law enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C.
  • Immigration activists in Chicago have expressed concerns that the operation is a form of "terrorism" and vowed to continue protesting and organizing in response to the move.
  • Five people were arrested in a weekend arrest operation in Chicago, with activists claiming they were "beloved community members" who were working or on their way to work when arrested.

Statistics:

  • 11 foreign-born men were targeted by the operation for deportation, according to the DHS.
  • 4 arrests were confirmed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of the weekend operation.
  • The National Guard was deployed to 3 cities: Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.
  • The Trump administration has used the National Guard to support law enforcement efforts in these cities.
  • 29-year-old Guatemalan national has been indicted in connection with January fatal car crash.

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • The Associated Press (AP)
  • Chicago City Council member Jeylú Gutiérrez
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
  • U.S. Supreme Court