ICE's Operation Midway Blitz: A Close-Up on Immigration Enforcement

Tue Oct 21 2025 19:47:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A detailed look into ICE's recent 'Midway Blitz' operation in Chicago, where immigration enforcement agents are ramping up arrests despite local opposition and heightened tension.

Early morning in Park Ridge, Illinois, marked the beginning of 'Operation Midway Blitz', where ICE officers executed an operation aimed at apprehending individuals suspected of living in the U.S. illegally. This wave of arrests has stirred concerns among local activists, highlighting the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement and community reactions. Despite claims of smooth operations from ICE, incidents of excessive force and a recent shooting involving an ICE agent have raised serious questions about the conduct of these operations. The operation continues with nearly 550 arrests reported, igniting debates over immigration policy and local enforcement.

PARK RIDGE, Ill. — At 3:30 a.m., a team of 10 ICE officers assembled in a parking lot outside Chicago to prepare for a crucial operation. This is the start of 'Operation Midway Blitz', launched on September 8 and aimed at enforcing President Trump’s immigration policies. Activists and local communities have expressed deep concerns over potential aggressive arrests, reflecting growing tensions around immigration enforcement.

During a recent ride-along with ICE, we witnessed the intense environment in which agents operate. They received a lead on a suspect and, following a car believed to be linked to the case, apprehended an individual who, while not their target, was discovered to be in the U.S. illegally. The operation resulted in two arrests before dawn broke, with both suspects having prior criminal records.

ICE’s Acting Head of Enforcement, Marcos Charles, lauded the operation as a success, but activists oppose this narrative, citing instances of excessive force and public fears exacerbated by such operations.

A recent incident has further heightened tensions—a shooting of an immigrant by an ICE officer, which has drawn scrutiny from local leaders and calls for accountability. Critics argue that ICE’s tactics are escalating violence rather than ensuring community safety.

With approximately 550 arrests reported so far, Charles emphasizes that agents are targeting specific individuals, not randomly detaining people. However, the operation continues to face backlash, further complicating the dialogue around immigration enforcement and community relations in Chicago.