Operation Midway Blitz Intensifies Immigration Raids in Chicago With Three Arrests

Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago

Tren de Aragua Gang Under Investigation

Pritzker Criticizes Raids

The neighborhood of Lawndale in Chicago was the scene of a federal operation that resulted in three arrests and heightened tension in the community.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, together with Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), led the action on Tuesday.

The operation is part of the federal immigration enforcement initiative in the city, called “Operation Midway Blitz.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the initiative will last 30 days.

ICE Detains Alleged Gang Members During Raids

Operation Midway Blitz Intensifies Immigration Raids in Chicago-Photo: Shutterstock

According to authorities, the three men arrested are alleged members of active gangs in Chicago.

Marco Charles, Acting Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations at ICE, spoke with ABC News about the operation.

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“We’re talking about anyone from the most egregious child sex offender to homicides, robberies, assaults, and domestic violence; it covers the full range,” he explained.

“This is about everyone who has committed crimes, but those we will mainly focus on will be our most heinous criminals,” Charles added.

Investigation Into Arms Trafficking

During the Operation Midway Blitz, ATF revealed that it is investigating the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang’s involvement in illegal arms trafficking.

Jonathan Maniff, ATF Assistant Special Agent, confirmed that the work originated in the firearms and crime intelligence center.

“We identified 30 suspected TdA gang members selling firearms in the Chicago metropolitan area,” he stated.

The collaboration involves 15 partner agencies and seeks to curb the expansion of organized crime in the region, reported CBS News.

DHS Dedicates Operation to Victim in Illinois

DHS Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin explained that the operation was named in memory of Katie Abraham.

The woman was murdered in Illinois by an immigrant with a criminal record who, according to McLaughlin, “never should have been in our country.”

The case has been used as an example to justify the increase in immigration raids in Chicago.

The official defended the operation, stating that its objective is to “protect communities” and remove criminals from the streets.

Governor Criticizes Impact of Operation Midway Blitz on Residents

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed concern about the climate of fear generated among migrant families.

“People in our communities are afraid, frankly,” he said during a press conference.

“They are afraid to leave their homes, to go shopping, to take their kids to school because they live in households with mixed immigration status,” he added.

The criticism highlights the political and social tension surrounding these raids.

Reports and Legal Guidance for Migrants

Civil organizations remind people that they can call the emergency line 911 in case of detention or violence.

In addition, the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) offers free legal advice at 312-660-1370.

The DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties line is available at 202-401-1474.

Community advocates recommend knowing your basic rights when facing ICE: remain silent, request a lawyer, and do not sign documents without legal counsel, CBS News noted.