The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the launch of immigration enforcement operations in Chicago and Boston, marking an escalation of federal action against Democratic-led cities and states. The move comes amidst ongoing debates surrounding sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement.
Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois
According to a post on X, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) "Operation Midway Blitz" is dedicated to the memory of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old victim of a drunk-driving hit-and-run. DHS alleges the perpetrator, Julio Cucul-Bol, is an undocumented immigrant in Illinois. NPR has not independently confirmed the details of this incident. The DHS post included an interview with Katie Abraham’s parents, who stated the incident occurred in Urbana, Illinois.
DHS claims the ICE operation is targeting "criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois" due to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's "sanctuary policies." The agency asserts these policies provide protection for individuals who have committed crimes while being undocumented.
Massachusetts Enforcement Effort
In addition to the Illinois operation, DHS has announced a new immigration enforcement effort in Massachusetts, as reported by NPR member station WBUR in Boston. Specific details regarding the Massachusetts operation remain limited at this time.
Broader Context: Federal Actions in Democratic-Led Cities
These announcements follow a summer where the Trump administration has increased immigration enforcement and National Guard deployments in Democratic-led cities. The administration has cited concerns about crime and public safety as justification for these actions.
The increased federal presence, including armed National Guard troops patrolling Washington, D.C., has drawn criticism from some who argue that it is a politically motivated overreach.