The Trump administration initiated a fresh immigration enforcement initiative in Chicago on Monday, aiming to target the most serious criminals in the city. The Department of Homeland Security unveiled “Operation Midway Blitz” following President Donald Trump’s persistent warnings of deploying National Guard troops to Illinois, leading to clashes with Governor JB Pritzker on social media.
According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, Governor Pritzker and other sanctuary politicians have been accused of releasing dangerous individuals like Tren de Aragua gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers onto the streets of Chicago, jeopardizing American lives and fostering a criminal haven in the city. In response, Governor Pritzker criticized the operation, arguing that it lacks coordination with Chicago authorities and is merely intended to intimidate Illinois residents.
The DHS released a statement listing 11 “criminal illegal aliens” who were allegedly set free in Illinois and are now being pursued for arrest. President Trump, having previously claimed success with troop deployments and deportation efforts in Washington and Los Angeles, has shifted his focus to Democratic-controlled Chicago as a new focal point in his aggressive anti-immigrant agenda, labeling the city as a violence-stricken “hell-hole.”
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois condemned the enforcement actions, labeling them as ineffective, fear-inducing, and costly distractions. Durbin criticized the administration for targeting law-abiding immigrants without criminal records. Trump continued his anti-immigrant rhetoric on social media, denouncing weekend violence in Chicago and assuring that only criminals would face consequences.
Following public backlash and protests against Trump’s military threats, the president toned down his aggressive stance towards Chicago. Pritzker dismissed Trump’s intimidation tactics, emphasizing that Illinois will not yield to dictatorial behavior. He advised residents on handling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, urging them to assert their rights and deny entry to agents without valid warrants.