Federal Agents Arrest 11 Rideshare Drivers at Chicago O'Hare Airport in Second Immigration Raid

Federal immigration agents conducted a second raid in October targeting rideshare drivers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, arresting 11 undocumented immigrants from various countries including Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, and Ukraine. The Department of Homeland Security stated some of those arrested have criminal histories such as domestic battery and DUI, and some were subject to final orders of removal. The raids have raised tensions in light of Chicago's sanctuary city policies, with the mayor's administration previously promising security to prevent such enforcement actions on city property. Labor groups representing drivers expressed concern, working to locate detained drivers and their families while advocating for protections to prevent further detentions. Border Patrol officials claimed these operations aim to recover jobs they say are taken by undocumented workers. The arrests have created fear among rideshare drivers who use the airport's designated waiting lots, as federal agents have been seen patrolling and questioning drivers, some of whom may be using falsified identities to work legally.