CHICAGO (WLS) — The federal government has officially started it’s immigration crackdown on the Chicago area.
They’re calling it “Operation Midway Blitz” and some local community leaders continue to fight back.
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The latest announced crackdown is aimed at undocumented immigrants in Illinois, highlighting the case of Katie Abraham. This 20-year-old woman from the Chicago area was killed in January after a vehicle, driven by an undocumented immigrant under the influence of alcohol, collided with her and her friends.
RELATED: Katie Abraham’s father speaks out on DHS’ operation ‘Midway Blitz’ in Chicago area
According to officials from the Trump administration, the operation is essential to capture undocumented individuals allegedly protected by sanctuary cities. However, advocates for immigrant rights argue that these actions incite fear and insecurity, asserting that they do not prioritize public safety.
“People who have contributed positively to society and have been productive members are now scared to leave their homes,” explained Chicago immigration attorney Justin Burton. “There is fear about attending court, traveling, going to work, and even sending their children to school.”
SEE ALSO: ICE confirms 4 Chicago-area arrests as Trump administration’s ‘Midway Blitz’ operation gets underway
Marcos Charles, an ICE official, stated, “We are conducting these operations to apprehend the criminal alien population that sanctuary city policies attract. Our goal is to remove them from the city, enhance public safety, strengthen national security, and ensure community safety, irrespective of political views. We are here to keep everyone safe.”
There’s plenty of resistance to the Trump administration’s anticipated immigration crackdown.
There are plans for local faith leaders to voice their opposition to the ICE operations on Tuesday in the West Side, along with any potential National Guard deployments in Chicago. In addition, a protest is scheduled for Tuesday evening.
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