Chicago – November 05, 2025
A senior Border Patrol official at the center of the Chicago immigration crackdown has staunchly defended his agency’s aggressive tactics, even as criticism and legal challenges mount.
Gregory Bovino, commander of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, asserted that the use of chemical agents and helicopter raids was necessary given the escalating threats faced by his agents during “Operation Midway Blitz.” This operation, initiated in September, has led to over 3,200 arrests targeting individuals accused of immigration offenses across Chicago and its suburbs, marking a dramatic expansion from initial efforts focused on Latino communities.
Bovino compared his officers’ work to regular police patrols and stated, “There are no sanctuaries; sanctuaries will not exist,” reflecting a zero-tolerance stance on cities with sanctuary policies.
The crackdown drew vocal support from former President Donald Trump, who praised the assertive raids and forceful measures during public interviews. Meanwhile, residents and local officials have raised concerns over excessive force and the trauma inflicted on neighborhoods, spurring ongoing lawsuits and federal investigations into agents’ conduct.
