Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago: What You Need to Know

On September 8, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago. The six-week operation is billed as a crackdown on “criminal illegal aliens” in Illinois, but it has already stirred controversy, fear, and legal questions.

For families in Chicago’s immigrant communities, this enforcement campaign is more than a headline. It’s a direct challenge to daily life, legal rights, and community safety. At Rozas, we believe staying informed is the first step to protecting yourself and your loved ones.

What Is Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago?

According to official DHS press releases, Operation Midway Blitz is focused on arresting noncitizens with criminal records who have allegedly benefitted from Illinois’ sanctuary policies. The agency announced arrests of individuals it says were convicted of violent crimes, including assault and abuse.

However,  recent reports show a more complex picture. Community advocates say people without violent histories are also being stopped, including street vendors and bus riders. Critics argue that the operation is sweeping far more broadly than the government’s stated target.

What Is A Sanctuary City?

To fully understand Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, it helps to know what a sanctuary city is.

A sanctuary city is a local jurisdiction that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This does not mean that immigration laws don’t apply. Instead, it means local police and officials are restricted from holding individuals in custody solely for immigration purposes unless there is a judicial warrant.

The goal of sanctuary policies is to:

• Encourage immigrant communities to report crimes without fear of deportation.

• Build trust between local law enforcement and residents.

• Focus limited local resources on community safety rather than federal enforcement.

Chicago has one of the strongest “welcoming city” ordinances in the U.S., and Illinois passed the TRUST Act, both of which limit cooperation with ICE. These protections are why Chicago was chosen as the focal point of Operation Midway Blitz, and the federal government has openly criticized Illinois for resisting its immigration agenda.

In July 2025, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by the Trump administration that tried to strike down Illinois’ sanctuary laws, ruling that the Department of Justice could not force local governments to help enforce federal immigration law. That decision underscored the tension now playing out in Operation Midway Blitz.

Civil Rights and Legal Concerns During Operation Midway Blitz

Immigration raids raise important legal and constitutional questions:

• Due Process: Individuals detained during these operations must still be given a chance to see an immigration judge. Rapid mass arrests raise concerns about shortcuts or skipped hearings.

• Fourth Amendment: Stopping people based on appearance, language, or neighborhood risks racial profiling.

• First Amendment: DHS has suggested prosecuting people who record ICE officers. The ACLU of Illinois has responded that the public has a clear constitutional right to document law enforcement in public spaces.

These concerns highlight why legal representation is critical if you or someone you know is affected.

How Communities Are Responding in Chicago

Immigrant neighborhoods in Chicago are already feeling the impact. Reports describe families avoiding public spaces, small businesses seeing fewer customers, and children afraid to go to school.

Local leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor J.B. Pritzker, have criticized the operation, saying the federal government did not provide notice and that it undermines public trust. Advocacy groups are circulating “Know Your Rights” guides and encouraging community members to seek legal help if approached by ICE.

What to Do If You Are Affected by Operation Midway Blitz

If you or someone you know may be targeted during Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, keep these points in mind:

1. Do Not Open the Door Without a Judicial Warrant: ICE cannot force entry into your home without a warrant signed by a judge. However, immigration officers often carry administrative immigration warrants (signed by ICE, not a judge). These allow them to detain someone, but they do not give authority to enter your home without consent. Always ask to see the warrant before taking any action.

2. You Have the Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.

3. Do Not Sign Papers Without a Lawyer: Some documents can waive your right to see an immigration judge.

4. Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: An immigration lawyer can represent you in bond hearings, asylum claims, or deportation defense.

5. Use Community Resources: Groups like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provide emergency support and legal aid referrals.

Broader Implications Beyond Chicago

Beyond Chicago, Operation Midway Blitz is part of a nationwide shift in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The operation could set the stage for similar campaigns in other sanctuary cities, testing the limits of state-federal conflicts over immigration law.

The outcome will affect not only those arrested but also how future administrations balance public safety, immigration enforcement, and civil liberties.

Protecting Your Family’s Future

Immigration enforcement actions like Operation Midway Blitz create uncertainty and fear. But knowledge and preparation can make a difference. At Rozas, we work every day with families facing detention, deportation, or complex immigration cases. Our goal is to protect your rights and give you peace of mind in uncertain times.

Contact us for a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer. Let us help you understand your options and fight for your family’s future.

Stay Informed and Connected

Immigration policies and enforcement actions can change overnight, leaving families uncertain about their rights and options. Don’t rely on rumors or outdated information.

Subscribe to the Rozas Immigration Newsletter for free weekly updates on immigration law, policy changes, and practical tips to protect your future.
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Staying connected is one of the best ways to stay prepared.