The Trump administration announced on Monday that it has begun an immigration enforcement operation across Chicago and other parts of Illinois labelled ‘Operation Midway Blitz.’
Details on the operation’s extent remain unclear, and the state’s Democratic governor said he had not been informed. The Department of Homeland Security stated in a press release that the action is a response to local “sanctuary” policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
President Trump has hinted at the potential use of National Guard troops and federal officers to address crime and illegal immigration in Chicago, a Democratic stronghold. However, the new initiative appears to follow the style of prior Trump-era immigration operations rather than recent troop deployments to Los Angeles and Washington DC.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker condemned the plan, with Pritzker accusing Trump of using it to influence the 2026 midterm elections. Pritzker’s office said they learned of the operation through social media, calling the release of the announcement akin to a reality show.
On Truth Social, Trump cited recent murders and shootings in Chicago and criticized Pritzker for failing to request federal assistance. “I want to help the people of Chicago, not hurt them,” he wrote, adding, “Only the criminals will be hurt! We can move fast and stop this madness.” Trump also shared a meme this weekend echoing scenes from the Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now, with helicopters over a burning Chicago.
DHS released a list featuring several undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions ranging from assault and burglary to drugs and gang allegations, who were allegedly released by Illinois jails. ICE also confirmed that a similar enforcement effort is currently underway in Boston
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With inputs from Reuters
