Federal Immigration Raids Expected In Chicago This Week

Federal authorities are preparing a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Chicago, expected to begin as early as Saturday and last for over a month, focusing on immigration arrests and raids. Around 230 federal agents, including personnel from Customs and Border Protection, have been stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes near North Chicago, where they have been training in crowd control tactics. The operation will use the naval base as the primary processing center, with more than 140 unmarked vehicles and preparations including a proposed no-fly zone to restrict media aerial coverage. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has expressed concern over the lack of formal communication from federal officials and has declined President Donald Trump's invitation to request National Guard assistance, citing legal strategy. Local leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, have stated they will neither assist nor interfere with the federal operation, and have taken measures to resist federal agents if necessary. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has commented on the legal and social implications of the crackdown, highlighting tensions between federal plans and local responses.