CHICAGO — Federal authorities took several individuals into custody on Wednesday morning, coinciding with the return of Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino to the Chicago area.
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The situation drew considerable attention in Evanston, where a crowd formed around immigration officers and Bovino as Chopper 7 hovered overhead, capturing the unfolding events.
During the operation, immigration agents were observed detaining at least one individual.
Federal agents have also been notably active in neighborhoods like Little Village, where their presence has become increasingly visible.
Local responders remain vigilant, patrolling the area to monitor for any federal immigration activities.
As a precaution, one business owner in the area revealed to ABC7 that they have resumed locking their doors to safeguard their patrons.
Some tables have stood empty at Nuevo León, since “Operation Midway Blitz” began, the owner says.
Although there was a glimmer of hope, of a possible return to normalcy when Bovino seemingly left the area in November, customers never quite fully returned.
“This fear continued. I still haven’t seen customers that from October,” business owner Laura Gutierrez Ramos said. “We are numb. We don’t know whether to go forward, not forward.”
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Multiple videos shows arrests taking place across the Chicago area on Tuesday.
A man was taken into custody near 26th and Kedvale. ABC7 blurred his face, since it is unknown if he’s been charged with a crime.
Bovino was also seen at a picket line during a union strike at Mauser Packaging Solutions on Chicago’s southwest side.
Community groups say at least 15 people were arrested, including an alleged undocumented immigrant, who the Department of Homeland Security says has a criminal history and damaged a Border Patrol vehicle with a rock.
And a tamale vendor, seen on surveillance video being taken into custody, seconds after arriving at 47th and Hermitage.
“[Bovino is] not going after criminals he’s going after people picking up their check from work, people taking their kids to school, people selling tamales,” Baltazar Enríquez with the Little Village Community Council said.
Business owners say it’s heartbreaking what this is doing to the community, just ahead of the holidays.
