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Federal agents arrested 16 undocumented immigrants working as rideshare drivers in Chicago during a recent operation.
The arrests happened as part of Operation Midway Blitz, a large-scale effort to enforce immigration laws in the city.
Commander Gregory K. Bovino, a top official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, shared details on social media.
He said the drivers were trying to hide in the gig economy but could not escape the rules.
“If you’re in this country illegally, you don’t get to blend into the ‘gig economy’ and bypass our immigration laws,” Bovino posted.
He added a video showing photos of the arrested individuals set to a humorous song about being the “best Uber driver.”
Operation Midway Blitz started in September 2025.
It has led to more than 1,000 arrests so far, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The operation targets people in the country without legal permission, including those with criminal records.
Officials say it has removed dangerous gang members, like those from Tren de Aragua, from the streets.
However, the operation has sparked controversy.
Some local leaders and residents call it harassment. They say agents use heavy tactics, like car chases and tear gas, which scare communities.
In one case, agents arrested drivers waiting at O’Hare Airport’s parking lot. Critics argue it disrupts daily life and separates families without focusing only on serious crimes.
Supporters, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, praise the effort for making roads safer. They point out arrests of people with past charges like drug trafficking and assault.
The operation expanded to nearby areas like Indiana, where agents caught undocumented truck drivers.
Chicago’s sanctuary city policies limit cooperation with federal immigration agents. This has led to clashes between local officials and federal teams.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker have spoken out against the tactics.
See photos below.
