ICE Activity Intensifies in Chicago, Suburbs Warn Residents

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have intensified their presence in Chicago and nearby suburbs like Maywood, as part of Operation Midway Blitz targeting criminal undocumented immigrants. President Donald Trump has renewed his focus on Chicago, citing violent crime as justification for increased federal enforcement, including sending ICE agents and proposing National Guard deployment. Maywood and other suburbs have launched 'know your rights' campaigns in response to what they describe as an unwanted federal show of force. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has reported ICE activity near the Cook County Courthouse, and immigrant advocates criticize the approach as fearmongering rather than a solution to crime. Illinois Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez, argue that the administration’s tactics aim to intimidate immigrant communities rather than improve safety. A recent Supreme Court ruling permits ICE to consider ethnicity alongside other factors during operations, enabling broader enforcement actions.