CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago's immigrant rights network is sounding the alarm as reports indicate a significant uptick in immigration enforcement activity in recent days. Activists have noted heightened reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducting arrests in immigrant communities, particularly through isolated traffic stops and increased patrols near local courthouses.
Lawrence Benito, leader of the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights, expressed concern, stating, “We definitely feel escalated operations are already here.”
The Trump administration, facing sharp opposition from local leaders and residents, has hinted at deploying more federal immigration agents to Chicago. While President Trump suggested sending in National Guard troops last week, he has been inconsistent about the deployment. This uncertainty has left communities in limbo, grappling with fears heightened by aggressive enforcement tactics seen in other metropolitan areas.
Moreover, a new initiative announced by the Department of Homeland Security referred to as “Operation Midway Blitz” aims to enforce federal immigration policies targeting sanctuary areas around Chicago. However, DHS has not confirmed if this operation is connected to the anticipated federal intervention.
Governor JB Pritzker articulated the growing concern during a press briefing, asserting that it was clear ICE operations were intensifying. He expressed that the agency finally seemed to have ramped up its workforce in the region.
Calls to an emergency hotline to report sightings of ICE agents have surged, with reports exceeding 500 in a single day. Activists and community leaders argue that the heightened presence of masked and armed agents has exacerbated an already tense atmosphere in immigrant neighborhoods.
Recent incidents have rekindled fears among the Latino population, with reports detailing arrests stemming from routine traffic checks and even community locations like grocery stores and parks. Local Senator Karina Villa noted that in West Chicago, a substantial number of arrests occurred after a traffic stop involved ICE agents, prompting her to document the situation live on social media to raise awareness.
Amid these fears, ICE's spokesperson has not provided details on the arrests made in the community, focusing instead on operations believed to stem from the “Midway Blitz.” The community remains on edge as tensions over immigration enforcement practices escalate.
Lawrence Benito, leader of the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights, expressed concern, stating, “We definitely feel escalated operations are already here.”
The Trump administration, facing sharp opposition from local leaders and residents, has hinted at deploying more federal immigration agents to Chicago. While President Trump suggested sending in National Guard troops last week, he has been inconsistent about the deployment. This uncertainty has left communities in limbo, grappling with fears heightened by aggressive enforcement tactics seen in other metropolitan areas.
Moreover, a new initiative announced by the Department of Homeland Security referred to as “Operation Midway Blitz” aims to enforce federal immigration policies targeting sanctuary areas around Chicago. However, DHS has not confirmed if this operation is connected to the anticipated federal intervention.
Governor JB Pritzker articulated the growing concern during a press briefing, asserting that it was clear ICE operations were intensifying. He expressed that the agency finally seemed to have ramped up its workforce in the region.
Calls to an emergency hotline to report sightings of ICE agents have surged, with reports exceeding 500 in a single day. Activists and community leaders argue that the heightened presence of masked and armed agents has exacerbated an already tense atmosphere in immigrant neighborhoods.
Recent incidents have rekindled fears among the Latino population, with reports detailing arrests stemming from routine traffic checks and even community locations like grocery stores and parks. Local Senator Karina Villa noted that in West Chicago, a substantial number of arrests occurred after a traffic stop involved ICE agents, prompting her to document the situation live on social media to raise awareness.
Amid these fears, ICE's spokesperson has not provided details on the arrests made in the community, focusing instead on operations believed to stem from the “Midway Blitz.” The community remains on edge as tensions over immigration enforcement practices escalate.
