After facing substantial criticism, a prolonged federal law enforcement initiative in Chicago has led to a notable reduction in crime and the deportation of criminal undocumented immigrants, according to an announcement by the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday.

Since the commencement of Operation Midway Blitz in September, various crime rates have seen significant declines. Notably, there has been a 15% reduction in murders, a 41% decrease in robberies, and a 48% drop in carjackings. Additionally, transit-related crimes fell by 20%, while shootings decreased by 35%, marking the lowest levels in four years, according to DHS data.

Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin attributed this positive shift to the efforts of DHS law enforcement, stating, “For years, sanctuary city policies have intensified Chicago’s crime issues. But now, thanks to our dedicated DHS officers, the city is witnessing an unprecedented decline in violent crime.”

As part of Operation Midway Blitz, federal agents apprehended a Mexican national previously convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13, highlighting the operation’s impact. (Fox News)

McLaughlin emphasized, “It’s straightforward—when we expel the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens, crime rates naturally fall.”

Despite these results, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have been vocal critics of the operation.

Pritzker has characterized the law enforcement presence in the city as targeting people of color, as well as American citizens, instead of going after the “worst of the worst.”

“They need to get out of Chicago if they’re not going to focus on the worst of the worst,” the governor said during an October appearance on CNN. “They need to get the heck out.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson push back on Trump’s plan to send National Guard and boost ICE enforcement in Chicago. (Getty Images; Scott Olson)

Some of the illegal immigrants targeted include a Latin Kings gang member with convictions for burglary, two DUIs, as well as other crimes. Another illegal immigrant from Mexico was previously convicted of sexual assault and burglary. 

Others have convictions for murder, weapons possession, robbery, battery on a peace officer and negligent manslaughter homicide vehicle, authorities said. 

Johnson, the Chicago mayor, recently criticized Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino for the immigration raids in his city, saying the law enforcement official’s behavior “provokes terror on people.”

People detained are taken to a parking lot on the far north side of the city before being transferred to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Oct. 31 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Getty Images)

“I’ve seen a lot of bad behavior from human beings over the course of my study of just history,” Johnson told reporters. “Even when he (Bovino) was on his way into federal court, he paraded down the street and saluted individuals,” he added, furrowing his brow.

“And then [DHS goes] on social media and put hip-hop music to their terror in Black and Brown communities. That’s not even a dog whistle anymore. That’s some real racist jacked-up stuff that he is engaged in.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the offices of Pritzker and Johnson.