'Midway Blitz' ICE operation crackdown begins in Chicago as local leaders push back against President Donald Trump
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

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.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Deputy saves mail driver from burning truck in Washington: bodycam

Heroic Rescue: Deputy Pulls Mail Driver from Flaming Truck in Washington, Captured on Bodycam

An intense scene unfolded in Washington state when a quick-thinking deputy came…
Texas cult in crosshairs of killer mom’s bathtub slayings case as questions hang over family horror

Unraveling the Texas Cult Connection: Inside the Chilling Case of a Mother’s Bathtub Slayings

A compelling new documentary aims to uncover the hidden layers of a…
Protesters demand immigration agents leave Minneapolis after man is shot and killed during crackdown

Minneapolis Uproar: Community Rallies Against Immigration Agents After Fatal Shooting

The Minneapolis community is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident…
Trump pressures UK over Hamas-linked figure as US intel flags potential terror threat

Trump Urges UK Action on Figure Linked to Hamas Amid US Intelligence Terror Alert

Trump, Netanyahu present united front against Hamas, Iran Steve Yates, who once…
Denmark's prime minister insists sovereignty is non-negotiable as Trump announces Greenland deal 'framework'

Denmark’s Prime Minister Firmly Asserts Sovereignty Amidst Trump’s Proposed Greenland Deal Framework

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has made it clear that Denmark will…
NBA Postpones Timberwolves-Warriors Game After Minneapolis Shooting, NHL Plays with No Issues

NBA Halts Timberwolves-Warriors Clash Amid Minneapolis Shooting as NHL Games Proceed Uninterrupted

The NBA has announced the postponement of Saturday’s matchup between the Minnesota…
Iran's top prosecutor criticizes Trump's announcement that 800+ executions were halted: 'Completely false'

Iran’s Chief Prosecutor Dismisses Trump’s Claim of Halting Over 800 Executions as ‘Entirely Untrue

On Friday, Iran’s chief prosecutor refuted President Donald Trump’s recent statement regarding…
New Jersey man fractures girl's skull by allegedly throwing rock through school bus window, arrest made

DHS Reports Incident: Unauthorized Immigrant Allegedly Throws Rock at New Jersey School Bus, Injuring Child

A New Jersey resident, accused of injuring a young girl by hurling…
Shop holiday gifting deals from cozy cabanas to spa-worthy body care with ABC Secret Savings

Unveiled: Never-Before-Seen ‘Zootopia 2’ Scene Changes Everything About Nick and Judy – Just Before Digital & DVD Launch!

LOS ANGELES — Prepare for a family movie experience you won’t soon…
New York boy, 15, missing after traveling to NYC to meet someone he met on Roblox, family says

New York Teen, 15, Reported Missing After Traveling to NYC for Meetup with Roblox Contact, Family Reports

The family of a 15-year-old boy from Long Island is deeply concerned…
NYC schools to close Monday due to snowstorm, shift to remote learning

NYC Schools Announce Snowstorm Closure: Transition to Remote Learning on Monday

In anticipation of a significant snowstorm, New York City public schools will…
Senate Democrats vow to block DHS funding bill after Minnesota shooting, raising partial shutdown risk

Senate Democrats Threaten to Block DHS Funding Over Minnesota Shooting, Heightening Partial Government Shutdown Concerns

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described the events unfolding in Minnesota as…