U.S. Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino and federal agents have intensified immigration enforcement in Chicago, launching “Operation Midway Blitz” in September 2025. This operation has seen agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detaining hundreds of individuals, often without criminal records. Recent reports highlight the profound impact of these actions on local communities, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
In a special segment on Reveal, host Al Letson and producer Ashley Cleek explored the realities of “Operation Midway Blitz” during their visit to Chicago. They documented encounters with citizens detained by federal authorities and witnessed instances of violence involving police, including officers using pepper spray on community members. The findings indicate that most individuals arrested during the operation were not involved in any criminal activity, with many lacking even minor infractions like traffic tickets.
Community Response to Federal Actions
The fear generated by these immigration raids has prompted local communities to mobilize in defense of those targeted. Residents are organizing efforts to support each other and resist federal actions that they view as unjust. The tension surrounding these operations is not new; it has roots in decisions made by the city in 2022 that have continued to resonate within neighborhoods.
Letson and Cleek’s investigation also uncovered the use of advanced surveillance technology by federal agents in Chicago. Joseph Cox from 404 Media provided insights into the deployment of face-scanning applications that enable agents to identify individuals in the city. This development signals a significant shift in how the U.S. government employs technology against its own citizens, raising concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
With the winter storm hitting the city on November 10, 2025, the contrasting images of federal agents and local residents at Millennium Park starkly illustrate the divide created by these operations. The ongoing crackdown has not only altered the lives of those directly impacted but has also reshaped the social fabric of Chicago, as communities grapple with the implications of federal immigration policies.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains crucial to monitor the broader effects of such operations on urban areas across the United States. The experiences of Chicagoans during “Operation Midway Blitz” highlight the urgent need for dialogue about immigration enforcement and community safety, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable populations within cities.
