ICE's 'Midway Blitz' Operation Leads to Over 400 Arrests in Chicago Area

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested more than 400 individuals in the Chicago area since launching 'Midway Blitz' on September 8, 2025. Marcos Charles, acting head of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, described the figure as a "solid number," noting that it includes arrests made by other federal agencies assisting in the campaign.

The operation has raised concerns among activists and immigrant communities, who report a noticeable increase in immigration enforcement agents. Allegations of excessive force and the detention of U.S. citizens have emerged, while supporters of the administration view the operation as fulfilling promises of mass deportations.

Approximately 50% to 60% of the arrests were targeted, focusing on individuals with criminal convictions, final orders of removal, or other factors placing them on ICE’s radar. The remaining arrests were "collateral," involving individuals encountered during operations who were in the country illegally.

Local officials and activists argue that such enforcement approaches are dangerous and imprecise, citing instances where U.S. citizens were briefly detained. They also express concerns that cooperation with ICE may deter immigrants who are victims or witnesses to crimes from coming forward.

The Department of Homeland Security initiated 'Midway Blitz' following criticism of Chicago and Illinois over policies that limit law enforcement cooperation with ICE. The administration contends that these policies result in the release of deportable immigrants into the community, necessitating operations like 'Midway Blitz' to locate and remove them.