Operation Midway Blitz: ICE Targets Chicago Amid Growing Tensions

Wed Dec 03 2025 12:44:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent ICE operation in Chicago has escalated concerns among immigrant communities and activists as arrests spike and tensions rise following the shooting of an immigrant during an attempt to detain him.

In the early hours of a September morning, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched 'Operation Midway Blitz' in Chicago, aiming to enforce immigration laws in a city known for its protective regulations. The operation, marked by arrests and heightened tensions, has drawn criticism from activists and exposed the fraught relationship between enforcement agencies and immigrant communities. Following a shooting incident involving ICE officers, local leaders are calling for accountability and a reevaluation of tactics used during enforcement operations.

PARK RIDGE, Ill. (AP) — At 3:30 a.m., ten U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers huddled in a suburban Chicago parking lot, preparing for a significant operation targeting undocumented immigrants. They reviewed the suspect's description, ensured communication channels were aligned, and discussed emergency protocols.

“Let’s plan on not being there,” quipped one officer, as they set off on their mission.

The operation, dubbed Operation Midway Blitz, aimed to implement President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policies in an area known for its resistance to local collaboration with immigration enforcement. Launched on September 8, the operation stirred alarm among activists and immigrant communities, who voiced their fears regarding potential large-scale arrests and the aggressive tactics associated with previous operations in other cities.

During a ride-along with ICE, the challenges and intensity of their mission became clear. Officers soon tracked a vehicle matching the suspect's description but determined that the driver was not their intended target, yet he was taken into custody for being in the U.S. illegally.

As dawn broke, ICE arrested the suspect they had initially sought, claiming success with no reported safety issues during their operation.

Activists Respond

Despite ICE’s claims of a smooth operation, local activists expressed serious concerns over the increasing militarization and aggressive tactics of ICE agents. Reports emerged of ICE agents engaging in violent confrontations, fueling fears within immigrant communities.

Alderman Andre Vasquez criticized the rhetoric surrounding ICE's operations, arguing that the agency was attempting to provoke chaos to justify stronger enforcement actions. “We’re not here to cause chaos. The president is,” he stated.

Tensions Heightened by Shooting Incident

The atmosphere turned even more charged following a troubling incident on September 12, when an ICE officer fatally shot Silverio Villegas González, a Mexican immigrant, during a failed arrest attempt. The incident provoked outrage and demands for accountability from both local leaders and the Mexican government.

As the operation continues, ICE claims to have arrested nearly 550 individuals, with a significant proportion being targeted arrests. However, Charles defended the agency against accusations of indiscriminate arrests, emphasizing that their focus has been on undocumented immigrants with prior criminal records.

“It was time to hit Chicago,” Charles stated, underscoring the operation's widespread impact in a city known for its protective stance on immigration.