Protests Over ICE Raids Grow in Illinois, California

Hundreds rallied in downtown Los Angeles with unions, immigration-rights groups and elected officials demanding an end to ICE raids and racial profiling, restored healthcare access, and warning that fear of federal enforcement has hurt local businesses. In the Chicago area, sustained demonstrations outside the Broadview ICE processing center and marches in West Chicago have grown over weeks in response to Operation Midway Blitz, which federal officials say produced roughly 900–1,000 arrests. Protesters and local leaders report detained community members, children suffering panic attacks, and reduced foot traffic for small businesses, prompting mayors and state officials to call for probes. Clashes at some sites involved barricades, tear gas, pepper balls and repeated arrests (reports vary from five to 13 people detained), while other nightly protests ended peacefully under a heavy law-enforcement presence. Federal officials have visited enforcement sites amid heightened tensions, and advocates continue daily actions to pressure officials to halt the raids and address community harm.