Operation Midway Blitz: Are Immigrant Rights Being Violated in Illinois?

In September 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated “Operation Midway Blitz” in Illinois, sparking a heated debate about immigrant rights. This operation, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has raised concerns among legal experts, advocacy groups, and residents, particularly within Latino communities. With the stated goal of targeting “criminal illegal aliens,” the operation has led to increased enforcement actions, anxieties, and questions regarding the legality and ethical implications of its methods.

What is Operation Midway Blitz?

Operation Midway Blitz is a multi-agency surge led by ICE, commencing on September 9, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. DHS stated the operation aims to arrest undocumented immigrants with criminal records. The operation is named in honor of Katie Abraham, who was killed earlier in the year by an undocumented driver in Urbana. According to DHS, the operation targets immigrants “who moved to Chicago and Illinois because they knew that Governor Jay Robert Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets,” alleging that these policies have turned Chicago into a “magnet for criminals.”

However, critics argue that this characterization is inaccurate and that the operation is a pretext for a broader crackdown on immigrants, regardless of their criminal history. Mayor Brandon Johnson stated that Chicago received “no notice of any enhanced immigration action,” calling the operation “militarized immigration enforcement.” Governor JB Pritzker accused federal officials of undermining the authority of local officials and suggested the possibility of taking legal action to challenge the surge.

Immigrant Rights in Illinois: A Legal Overview

Regardless of immigration status, every person in Illinois has constitutional rights. These rights include:

The right to remain silent: You are not required to answer any questions from law enforcement officers or immigration agents.
The right to an attorney: You have the right to request to speak with an attorney before answering any questions or signing any documents.
The right to an interpreter: You have the right to request an interpreter if you do not speak English.
Protection against unreasonable search and seizure: Unless law enforcement has a warrant issued by a court and signed by a judge, you do not have to open your door to them.

Illinois has also enacted laws to protect immigrant rights, such as the TRUST Act, which generally prohibits local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement, and the VOICES Act, which provides procedural protections for immigrant crime victims who assist law enforcement.

Concerns and Allegations of Rights Violations

Despite these legal protections, concerns have been raised about potential violations of immigrant rights during Operation Midway Blitz. Some of the key issues include:

Lack of due process: Critics argue that the operation may be targeting individuals without sufficient evidence of criminal activity, leading to unjust arrests and detentions.
Racial profiling: There are concerns that the operation is disproportionately targeting Latino communities, based on racial profiling rather than legitimate law enforcement concerns.
Use of aggressive tactics: Reports have emerged of ICE agents using aggressive tactics, such as forced entry into homes and the use of flash-bang grenades, which can traumatize residents and violate their rights.
Separation of families: The arrest and detention of immigrant parents can lead to the separation of families, causing significant emotional distress and hardship for children.
Cooperation with local law enforcement: Despite the TRUST Act, there are concerns that local law enforcement may be cooperating with ICE in some instances, undermining the protections intended by the law.

Resources for Immigrants in Illinois

If you or someone you know is an immigrant in Illinois and believes their rights have been violated, numerous resources are available:

Illinois Attorney General’s Office: The Attorney General’s Office has a “Know Your Rights” public awareness campaign to help immigrants understand their rights and responsibilities when interacting with law enforcement. They also have an Immigrant Assistance Program to address barriers that prevent immigrants from seeking and obtaining government services.
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR): ICIRR is a coalition of organizations that provide legal assistance, advocacy, and support services to immigrants and refugees in Illinois. They operate a 24-hour Family Support Hotline at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) to report ICE activity and connect with legal services.
Illinois Legal Aid Online: This website provides legal information and resources for immigrants in Illinois, including information on immigration law, rights, and available legal services.
The Immigration Project: This non-profit organization provides immigration legal assistance to immigrants in Central and Southern Illinois.
Legal Clinics: Several legal clinics throughout Illinois offer free or low-cost legal screenings, case representation, and other support to immigrants.

What to Do If ICE Approaches You

It is crucial to know your rights and how to respond if approached by ICE:

Remain calm and do not resist: Do not attempt to resist arrest, even if you believe it is unlawful.
Ask for a warrant: If ICE agents come to your home, ask to see a warrant signed by a judge before opening the door.
Remain silent: You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions.
Request an attorney: Ask to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Document the encounter: Write down as much information as possible about the encounter, including the date, time, location, and names of the agents involved.

Conclusion

Operation Midway Blitz has ignited a critical conversation about immigrant rights in Illinois. While the stated goal is to target criminals, the operation’s methods and potential impact on law-abiding immigrants raise serious concerns. It is essential for immigrants to know their rights and for communities to support organizations that provide legal assistance and advocacy. By staying informed and proactive, immigrants can protect themselves and their families from potential rights violations.

If you believe your rights have been violated during an encounter with ICE, it is crucial to seek legal assistance immediately. Contact our firm today for a consultation to discuss your options and protect your future.