PARK RIDGE, Ill. (AP) — It was 3:30 a.m. when 10 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers gathered in a parking lot in the Chicago suburbs for a briefing about a suspect they were hoping to arrest. They went over a description of the person, made sure their radios were on the same channel and discussed the nearest hospital in case something went wrong.
“Let’s plan on not being there,” said one of the officers, before they climbed into their vehicles and headed out.
Across the city and surrounding suburbs, other teams were fanning out in support of “Operation Midway Blitz.” It has unleashed President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda on a city and state known for strong local laws preventing cooperation with immigration enforcement.
ICE launched the operation on September 8, drawing concerns from activists and immigrant communities apprehensive about the potential for large-scale arrests or aggressive tactics seen in other cities targeted by the Republican administration. Anecdotal reports indicate an increase in immigration enforcement agents, although a military deployment to Chicago has not occurred.
The Associated Press joined ICE on a ride-along during the operation unfolding in a suburban location.
A Predawn Wait, Then Two Arrests
A voice crackled over the radio: “He got into the car. I’m not sure if that’s the target.”
Someone matching the description stepped out, got into a car, and drove away. Following closely, officers soon confirmed he matched the physical description but could not yet see his face clearly.
“Do it,” said Marcos Charles, the acting head of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Agents boxed the car in, confronting the man, only to determine he wasn't their target but was in the U.S. illegally. They took him into custody. A bit later, as dawn broke, the actual suspect emerged, got into a car, and was arrested as well; both men turned out to be undocumented with criminal histories.
Charles hailed the operation as a “success,” emphasizing that there were no safety concerns during the arrests.
Activism and Tensions
Critics argue that the violence and chaos often associated with ICE operations are becoming more frequent. They reference videos showing agents aggressively pursuing suspects and interactions that escalate quickly, pointing to recent incidents where activists worry such actions heighten existing tensions.
Local officials, like Alderperson Andre Vasquez, strongly challenge ICE's tactics, asserting that the agency aims to provoke reactions to justify more aggressive police responses. “ICE does not belong here,” he stated.
A Shooting Incident Heightens Concerns
Following a tense shooting on September 12, where an ICE officer fatally shot a Mexican immigrant attempting to escape arrest, tensions further escalated. Authorities stated the officer felt his life was threatened by the suspect’s actions.
Governor JB Pritzker called for accountability regarding the shooting, which sparked outcry from community leaders who demand thorough investigation and transparency, emphasizing the need to reconsider aggressive tactics used by ICE.
As the operation continues, ICE reports nearly 550 arrests, with a considerable majority being targeted operations. Charles insists that agents are not randomly detaining individuals but are focused on specific targets, stating, “It was time to hit Chicago.”
