Summary
A new federal immigration operation named "Operation Midway Blitz" was announced in Chicago, focusing on deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. This has caused confusion and protests in the city, which has strong sanctuary laws that limit cooperation with immigration authorities. State and city officials have criticized the operation as ineffective and fear-inducing.
Key Facts
- The Department of Homeland Security launched "Operation Midway Blitz" in Chicago targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
- The announcement was accompanied by the sharing of mugshots of 11 individuals the DHS believes should be deported.
- Chicago and Illinois have sanctuary laws that prevent local police from working with immigration agents.
- Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson have both criticized the federal operation.
- Protests occurred in response to the operation at various locations in Chicago, including a military base and an immigration center.
- The operation is said to honor Katie Abram, a woman who died in a car crash involving an undocumented immigrant with a criminal record.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed four arrests but provided limited information on those individuals.
- The Trump administration has previously used the National Guard in immigration enforcement efforts in other U.S. cities.
