Use of helicopters, chemical agents, and warrantless arrests has sparked outrage among residents and officials.
Immigration Crackdown Sparks Fear in Chicago
A month-long federal immigration crackdown in the Chicago area has led to the arrest of more than 1,000 people, according to officials. But it’s not just the numbers that have sparked concern — it’s the methods being used.
Raids have included:
- Helicopters flying over homes at night
- Chemical agents used near schools
- People zip-tied without warrants
- U.S. citizens and children among those detained
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker called the raids “military-style” and said they are turning neighborhoods into war zones.
“They fire tear gas and smoke grenades,” he said on CNN. “They make it look like a war zone.”
Apartment Raid: Families Wake to Chaos
One of the most alarming incidents happened at an apartment complex in South Shore, a mostly Black neighborhood with a small number of resettled migrants.
According to residents and immigrant advocacy groups:
- Agents rappelled from helicopters
- Used unmarked trucks to block exits
- Went door to door, waking families
- Zip-tied residents, including children and U.S. citizens
Rodrick Johnson, a 67-year-old U.S. citizen, said he was zip-tied and detained without being shown a warrant.
“I asked for a lawyer. They never brought one,” he said.
Chemical Agents Near a School
In another incident, agents allegedly deployed chemical agents near Funston Elementary School in the Logan Square neighborhood.
- Children were kept indoors during recess
- Activists say the agents threw a gas canister during an arrest
- The school and surrounding community were not warned in advance
Local Officials Detained, Protests Grow
- Chicago Alderperson Jessie Fuentes was handcuffed at a hospital after asking to see a warrant during an arrest
- State Rep. Lilian Jiménez said ICE acted “like an invading army”
- Protests have grown outside immigration centers in suburbs like Broadview, where daily demonstrations and arrests are now common
DHS Claims Criminal Targeting, Offers Few Details
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said its operations are aimed at individuals tied to Tren de Aragua, a known gang. DHS claims those arrested are linked to:
- Drug trafficking
- Weapon offenses
- Immigration violations
However, DHS has not shared names, charges, or evidence, and many of those detained appear to be legal residents or citizens.
Lawsuits and Investigations Underway
Local and state leaders have taken legal action:
- The village of Broadview sued DHS over an 8-foot fence they say was illegally installed
- Three criminal investigations have been opened into agents’ behavior
- Lawyers are seeking to reinstate a 2022 consent decree that limits how raids are conducted in Illinois and five other states
Summary
- Over 1,000 arrests in one month
- Helicopters, zip ties, and chemical agents used in residential neighborhoods
- Children and citizens reportedly detained
- Growing legal and political pushback
- DHS says it’s targeting gangs but gives few specifics
As public outcry grows, Chicago has become a flashpoint in America’s heated immigration debate — with many now questioning the balance between enforcement and civil rights.
