Chicago – September 09, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a targeted immigration crackdown in Chicago and Boston, intensifying federal enforcement actions in Democratic-led cities.
Dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz” in Chicago, the initiative focuses on deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. DHS justified the operation, citing sanctuary policies in Illinois and Massachusetts that they say provide protection to these individuals.
President Donald Trump has amplified his aggressive stance, threatening further federal interventions including potential National Guard deployment.
However, local officials in both cities, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, have condemned the moves. They criticize the lack of formal communication and characterize the efforts as politically motivated intimidation that undermines community trust and constitutional protections.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has also rejected DHS’s accusations, vowing legal resistance against what she calls an unconstitutional federal raid.
The crackdown follows earlier operations like “Operation Patriot,” underlining the administration’s strategy to enforce immigration laws more aggressively in sanctuary cities despite pushback from local governments and immigrant advocates.
As of now, increased ICE activities are expected, but no significant enforcement spike has been reported in Chicago. The situation remains dynamic with heightened tensions between federal authorities and local leaders over immigration enforcement policies.
