Chicago federal intervention: Tracking surge in immigration enforcement operations | Updates

DHS announces "Operation Midway Blitz" in Chicago; Trump federalizing Illinois National Guard

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Last updated: Friday, October 24, 2025 4:15PM GMT
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CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago area is seeing an increase in federal immigration enforcement.

President Donald Trump says the surge in immigration enforcement activity in the Chicago area is about getting dangerous criminals off the streets.

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Some 300 federal agents are using North Chicago's Naval Station Great Lakes as the logistical hub for ramped-up operations.

Protesters and federal agents have continued to clash outside an ICE Processing Center in Broadview, Illinois.

ABC7 is tracking the latest news in the city and suburbs. Here are the latest developments.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
WLS logo
Sep 06, 2025, 7:00 PM GMT

Protest held outside Naval Station Great Lakes, ICE logistical hub

Dozens of people rallied Saturday against the expected increase in ICE operations, just outside of Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago.

Roughly 300 federal agents are using the base as a logistical hub.

The Party for Socialism and Liberation organized a rally and march.

Christian Piekos Image
Sep 06, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

Increase in ICE operations around Chicago expected

Communities across the Chicago area are preparing for an increase in immigration enforcement on Saturday.

Some 300 federal agents are using North Chicago's Naval Station Great Lakes as the logistical hub for ramped-up operations, which are expected to begin on Saturday.

President Donald Trump says the surge in immigration enforcement activity in the Chicago area is about getting dangerous criminals off the streets.

Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with Congressman Brad Schneider, went to the Navy directly for answers on Friday.

They say the admiral-in-charge at Naval Station Great Lakes told them that Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security officials requested office space and parking at the base from Sept. 5 through Oct. 5.

The Navy agreed, but is not providing barracks or housing, nor are they allowing the federal agents to have lethal munitions on base.

The Illinois representatives say they tried to speak with DHS officials on base, but with no luck.