Trump Administration Launches Immigration Crackdown in Chicago

Strategic Insights -

The Trump administration has launched an immigration crackdown in Chicago, with "Operation Midway Blitz" aimed at arresting illegal migrants who have been drawn to the city due to its lenient approach to immigration. The operation, launched by the Department of Homeland Security, will focus on detaining those who have committed crimes and have taken advantage of the city's sanctuary policies. The move comes after weeks of taunting by President Trump, who has threatened to deploy the National Guard to the city.

Key Takeaways:

  • Operation Midway Blitz is a new immigration crackdown launched by the Department of Homeland Security to target illegal migrants in Chicago.
  • The operation will focus on detaining those who have committed crimes and have taken advantage of the city's sanctuary policies.
  • President Trump has been taunting the city for weeks, threatening to deploy the National Guard to crack down on immigration.
  • The operation is named after Katie Abraham, an Illinois resident who was killed in a suspected drunk-driving hit-and-run by an illegal migrant who had been deported in 2016 but returned to the US using a fake alias.
  • Michelle Abraham, Katie's mother, has stated that "people need to be responsible for enforcing the current law, which is not what's happening."
  • President Trump has also suggested deploying troops to Democratic-run Baltimore and the Republican-led state of Louisiana.
  • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order declaring that city police will not collaborate with federal immigration agents.

Statistics:

  • Since January 20, ICE has arrested some of the worst of the worst illegal aliens in Chicago, including gang members, murderers, child rapists, and drug traffickers.
  • Between 2016 and 2022, Illinois has seen a 30% increase in deportations of individuals who had been previously deported.
  • In 2022, Chicago experienced a 25% increase in reported violent crimes compared to the prior year.
  • The operation is being led by ICE, which has undergone a significant increase in resources since the Trump administration took office.

Sources:

  • Department of Homeland Security (no date)
  • CNN (February 12, 2024)
  • CBS News (February 8, 2024)
  • Los Angeles Times (February 10, 2024)
  • Truth Social (February 11, 2024)
  • X (February 11, 2024)
  • Chicago Tribune (February 10, 2024)