CHICAGO (WGN) As “Operation Midway Blitz” begins, Chicago’s immigrant community is on high alert, prompting local leaders to emphasize the importance of knowing their rights.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed that he believes ICE has deployed over 200 agents, supported by more than 100 vehicles, as they initiate this intensified immigration enforcement.
“Communities are genuinely fearful. Residents are hesitant to leave their homes, to shop, or even to take their children to school,” Pritzker explained.
On Tuesday, the Trump administration’s border chief, Tom Homan, confirmed an increase in personnel in Chicago, as President Donald Trump has intensified his focus on the city in recent weeks.
“We’ve increased our presence in Chicago,” Homan stated. “We recognize the public safety threats being released back into the community daily. Our efforts are focused where the issues are greatest, in sanctuary cities.”
Pritzker met with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights on Tuesday afternoon at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
“The reason figures like Tom Homan, Donald Trump, and others are targeting Chicago is because we’re succeeding,” Pritzker stated.
The nationwide legal battle, however, continues.
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a judge’s order prohibiting federal agents in Los Angeles from questioning people about their immigration status based solely on their ethnicity, clearing the way for federal enforcement to continue aggressive immigration sweeps.
“We know the Supreme Court decision [Monday] that frankly takes away rights from people across the United States is something that Tom Homan cheers,” Pritzker said.
Homan, however, insists his federal agents respect constitutional rights.
“ICE agents aren’t racially profiling. The law says you’ve got to establish a reasonable suspicion to detain and question somebody,” Homan said.
Pritzker said Tuesday he’s worried for Illinois and that federal agents have “terrible plans” for communities.
