CHICAGO (AP) — Activists in Chicago's immigrant rights network report an alarming increase in immigration enforcement activities, worsening the already heightened anxiety within vulnerable communities. The presence of immigration officers has notably escalated, especially in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods in Chicago and its suburbs.
Lawrence Benito, head of the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights, observed that operations have intensified, with officials focusing on isolated traffic stops and increasing their presence at local courthouses.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has raised concerns over federal interventions in response to crime, asserting that such actions are unwelcome and exacerbate community fears. Reports cite conflicts between local leaders and the Trump administration regarding the deployment of National Guard troops in the city.
Reflecting this growing unease, calls to emergency hotlines reporting sightings of immigration officers have surged, with some days recording over 500 calls. However, many reports consisted of mistaken information or attacks against immigrants.
On the ground, immigration activists highlighted the use of aggressive tactics by officials, including armed and masked agents in military-like attire. Amid these developments, fears were reignited following the fatal shooting of an individual purportedly attempting to evade arrest by federal agents.
Local officials noted that traffic stops have largely driven the current wave of arrests. In one incident, 15 individuals were apprehended in West Chicago, a suburb with a significant Latino population. Activists, including Illinois state Senator Karina Villa, have reacted by monitoring ICE activities, livestreaming their observations, and chanting against immigration sweeps.
Despite the reported rise in enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security has not confirmed the specifics of these operations, instead referencing a broader initiative called “Operation Midway Blitz” that purportedly aims to target sanctuary policies around Chicago.
The increasing tension surrounding immigration enforcement policies continues to spotlight the complex dynamics of federal intervention and local community advocacy, raising pressing questions about the future treatment of immigrants across the nation.
