ICE Arrests 550 in Chicago Area During ‘Midway Blitz’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Nearly 550 people have been arrested in the Chicago area under ICE’s “Midway Blitz” operation, Homeland Security confirmed Friday. Officials say about half were targeted arrests, while the rest were collateral detentions of undocumented immigrants encountered during raids. Activists warn of heavy-handed tactics and fear spreading across immigrant communities.
ICE Arrests Nearly 550 in Chicago During ‘Midway Blitz’ – Quick Look
- Operation began Sept. 8, targeting undocumented immigrants.
- Nearly 550 arrests, including 50–60% targeted arrests.
- Collateral arrests also made, a policy revived under Trump.
- Critics cite excessive force, wrongful detentions, and one fatal shooting.
- Trump vowed to send agents and National Guard to Chicago, though troops haven’t been deployed.
- Local officials say cooperation with ICE undermines trust between police and immigrant communities.
- Immigrant advocates condemn raids, warning of fear and confusion across neighborhoods.
Deep Look: ICE Cracks Down on Chicago With ‘Midway Blitz’
PARK RIDGE, Ill. — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested nearly 550 people across the Chicago area in a sweeping operation dubbed “Midway Blitz,” marking one of the largest enforcement surges in recent years, federal officials confirmed Friday.
The Department of Homeland Security released updated figures just hours after ICE’s acting enforcement chief, Marcos Charles, revealed that over 400 individuals had been detained so far. The new tally underscores the scale of the operation, which began Sept. 8 and follows similar crackdowns in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
Who Was Targeted
According to ICE, roughly 50% to 60% of the arrests were targeted — individuals sought for criminal convictions, outstanding removal orders, or previous immigration violations.
The remainder were collateral arrests — people not originally targeted but detained after being found to be in the U.S. illegally. Such arrests had been barred during the Biden administration but were reinstated almost immediately under Trump.
Charles defended the practice, saying:
“Some of our collateral arrests also have criminal convictions and arrests. They just weren’t the people we were looking for at the time.”
Controversy and Community Fears
The blitz has deepened tensions in immigrant-heavy communities, where residents report a visible uptick in enforcement activity. Critics say the raids are heavy-handed and dangerous, pointing to:
- The temporary detention of two U.S. citizens, raising concerns of mistaken identity.
- The Sept. 12 fatal shooting of a man who authorities say tried to flee a traffic stop, dragging an ICE officer in the process.
- A climate of fear and distrust, which activists warn could discourage immigrants from reporting crimes or cooperating with local police.
Advocacy groups denounce the operation as part of Trump’s broader campaign to deliver on his hardline immigration promises, often at the expense of civil rights.
Trump’s Role and Federal Pressure
President Donald Trump has long criticized Chicago and Illinois for so-called “sanctuary policies” that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE. His administration has pledged to flood the city with immigration agents and even National Guard troops — though no military deployment has yet materialized.
ICE argues that sanctuary measures result in criminals being released back into communities, forcing federal officers to track them down later. Critics counter that cooperation with ICE erodes public safety, making immigrants less likely to report crimes.
Supporters Applaud, Opponents Resist
- Trump supporters view the operation as proof he is delivering on mass deportation pledges.
- Immigrant advocates and local leaders accuse ICE of using excessive force and stoking fear.
- Some legal experts say the scale of arrests, especially collateral detentions, could face court challenges.
As “Midway Blitz” continues, it highlights the sharp divide in U.S. immigration policy — between a federal government intent on mass enforcement and communities fearful of its impact on families, workers, and trust in public safety.
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