• Operation Midway Blitz targets illegal immigrants deemed criminal by the DHS.
• Local officials criticize the operation as political theater amidst rising tensions.
• Protests erupt in Chicago against the raids and Trump’s comments on immigration.

The Trump administration launched an immigration enforcement operation in Chicago called Operation Midway Blitz, with the aim of deporting "criminal illegal aliens" under a crackdown conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that this operation focuses on serious offenders including gang members and drug traffickers, who were released due to Illinois' "sanctuary" policies, which limit cooperation with federal authorities. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described those targeted as "the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Chicago," according to India Times, Reuters, Reuters, and TRT Global.

Critics, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, argued that there had been no formal communication regarding the operation and described it as a politically charged stunt. Governor Pritzker expressed his frustrations, stating the events highlighted a lack of genuine support for effective crime fighting, emphasizing that "this isn't about fighting crime." Similarly, Mayor Johnson raised concerns about the militarization of immigration enforcement and its impact on local communities, according to Reuters, Reuters, and TRT Global.

Following the announcements, protests erupted in downtown Chicago, as thousands took to the streets to voice their opposition, accusing Trump of using immigration enforcement as a political weapon in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections. These demonstrations included allegations from local leaders that the operation aimed more at instilling fear among communities than genuinely addressing public safety. Alderwoman Jeylu Gutierrez noted that individuals from her community were detained during these raids, reinforcing the narrative that the operations serve to "terrorize our communities," according to India Times and TRT Global.

Trump's rhetoric surrounding the operation has included contrasting the recent violence in Chicago with his administration's intended approach, calling for federal assistance while deviating into criticisms of local governance. In a post on his social media platform, he stated, "I want to help the people of Chicago, not hurt them. Only the criminals will be hurt!" This message follows a provocative social media post titled "Chipocalypse Now," which further inflamed tensions by depicting a militarized scene over Chicago, illustrating his confrontational approach to immigration and crime. The unfolding events coincide with broader national discussions about immigration policies and local law enforcement dynamics, as indicated by multiple sources including Reuters, Reuters, and TRT Global.