Operation Details and Federal Response
The Department of Homeland Security announced the large-scale immigration enforcement operation Monday, catching Chicago officials off guard. Mayor Brandon Johnson confirmed the city received no advance notice of the federal action.
Federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have been deployed throughout the Chicago area. The agents are reportedly staying at Great Lakes Naval Base north of the city.
Southwest Side Arrests Mark Operation’s Beginning
- Sunday: Man selling flowers detained at South Archer Avenue and South Pulaski Road
- Sunday: Individual arrested near bus stop at West 47th Street and South Archer Avenue
- Sunday: Person detained while walking on sidewalk by West 49th Street and South Archer Avenue
ICE identified the arrestees as undocumented immigrants from Mexico with previous criminal records, including charges for armed robbery, DUI, domestic battery, and assault. Community organizers have reached family members of those detained and are providing support services.
City and State Officials Push Back
Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois maintain “sanctuary” policies that prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration operations. However, officials clarify they do transfer individuals with active criminal warrants to ICE custody.
“We remain opposed to militarized immigration enforcement that runs afoul of the Constitution in our city,” Mayor Johnson stated, citing concerns about ICE’s history of detaining American citizens and human rights violations.
Governor JB Pritzker has joined local officials in condemning the operation and threatening legal challenges if the National Guard is deployed to Chicago.
Agent Activity Across Chicago Neighborhoods
Federal agents have been spotted in multiple Chicago locations:
- Southwest Side: Primary focus area with multiple sightings and arrests
- Cook County Courthouse: ICE van present Monday for Fox News media coverage
- 61st and Kildare: Agents reported in the area Monday morning
Witnesses describe agents wearing vests marked “police federal agent” without masks, conducting operations during daylight hours.
Community Impact and Festival Cancellations
The immigration raids have already disrupted Chicago’s cultural events. El Grito Chicago, a major Mexican Independence Day festival planned for Grant Park this weekend, was cancelled after organizers consulted with city and state officials about safety concerns.
However, El Grito Pilsen organizers plan to announce Tuesday that their neighborhood festival will proceed as scheduled for September 15.
National Guard Deployment Remains Uncertain
President Trump has suggested deploying National Guard troops to Chicago, though timing and details remain unclear. Even conservative Alderman Nick Sposato (38th Ward), a Trump supporter, opposes military deployment.
“I certainly want to see ICE here cleaning things up, but the National Guard on the streets of Chicago I just don’t think is a good idea,” Sposato told Fox News. He expressed concern about young soldiers with weapons patrolling city streets.
Know Your Rights and Resources
- ICE Activity Hotline: 855-435-7693 (Illinois Family Support Network)
- Media Documentation: chicagojournalists@protonmail.com
- Video Submission: tinyurl.com/chicagojournalists
Legal Guidance for Detained Individuals
Immigration advocates urge community members to document ICE activities and report unlawful arrests. The National Immigrant Justice Center provides guides in five languages with immediate steps to take after detention.
Important documents to collect if someone is detained:
- Completed immigration applications
- Police reports and charging documents
- Probable cause affidavits
- Sentencing documents
Community Response and Resistance
“Chicago will not be terrorized to fear. We stand united, especially here in the Southwest Side,” stated Rep. Aaron Ortiz at Monday’s press conference.
The Brighton Park Neighborhood Council leads the Southwest Side rapid response network, providing real-time alerts about federal agent sightings through social media channels.
Immigration rights organizations emphasize the importance of knowing constitutional rights during encounters with federal agents and recording interactions when safe to do so.
What’s Next
The operation is expected to continue for more than a month, with federal agents likely maintaining their presence in Chicago neighborhoods. Community organizations are mobilizing resources to support affected families and document potential civil rights violations.
Legal challenges to the operation and any potential National Guard deployment are expected from city, county, and state officials who view the federal actions as constitutional overreach.