Federal immigration enforcement agents, including Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, were observed conducting operations and making arrests in the Chicago area and its suburbs on Tuesday.
Multiple reports and aerial video confirmed the presence of agents throughout the day.
At noon, Chopper 7 captured Chief Bovino walking in a parking lot near 26th Street and Cicero Avenue.
Shortly after, around 12:39 p.m., federal agents were seen taking a man into custody in Cicero, just south of the Ike Expressway.
An earlier video also showed agents in the Little Village neighborhood, specifically near 26th Street and Ridgeway.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson confirmed his awareness of the activity, stating he was aware of the presence of Chief Bovino and “masked federal agents conducting immigration enforcement activity” near the holidays.
Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García issued a strong statement, saying the “large group of masked federal agents arrived in our city, once again terrorizing our community.”
Cicero Town President Larry Dominick confirmed the reports and advised residents to “remain calm, be vigilant, and understand your rights, regardless of your immigration status.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the ongoing operations. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that “operations are ongoing” and that “Operation Midway Blitz is achieving what Chicago’s sanctuary politicians have refused to do for decades: decrease crime and remove the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens who put the American people in danger.”
