Large-scale arrests of over 400 individuals in the immigration enforcement operation conducted in the Chicago metropolitan area by federal authorities
In a move that has not been widely reported, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been conducting an operation named "Midway Blitz" in the Chicago region since September 8, 2021. The leader of this operation, however, remains unnamed in the available sources.
The operation, which has seen over 400 arrests, is aimed at individuals who have committed a crime, have a final order of removal, or have done something that put them on ICE's radar. Approximately 50% to 60% of these arrests were targeted, while the remaining were collateral arrests, a practice allowed during the Trump administration as part of efforts to increase deportations.
The acting head of ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations, Marcos Charles, considers the number of arrests a "solid number." However, the operation has been met with criticism and concerns, with allegations of excessive force and heavy-handed dragnets during the operation.
One incident that sparked controversy was the shooting of a man by an ICE officer on September 12. Authorities claimed the man tried to flee during a traffic stop, dragging the officer. Two U.S. citizens have also been briefly detained by federal officers focused on immigration enforcement.
Local officials and activists argue that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and cooperation with ICE makes it less likely for immigrants who are victims or witnesses of crime to work with police. This, they claim, could potentially hinder the efforts to maintain law and order in the city.
The Trump administration launched "Midway Blitz" in response to criticism of Chicago and Illinois over policies that restrict law enforcement cooperation with ICE. ICE claims that these policies result in immigrants who have committed crimes in the U.S. and can be deported being released into the community, requiring ICE to track them down for removal.
Despite the controversy, the operation is set to continue until immigration enforcement officials feel successful, with no end date specified. The Associated Press article was written by Santana.
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