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
Oct 06, 2025, 2:46 PM GMT

Chicago, state of Illinois file suit seeking to block Trump admin. deployment of National Guard

The state of Illinois and city of Chicago have filed a lawsuit on Monday seeking to block President Donald Trump's federalization and deployment of the National Guard.

"The American people, regardless of where they reside, should not live under the threat of occupation by the United States military, particularly not simply because their city or state leadership has fallen out of a president's favor," the complaint said.

WLS logo
Oct 06, 2025, 1:55 AM GMT

Pritzker says Trump also deploying Texas National Guard in Illinois

Late Sunday, Governor Pritzker issued a statement saying the Illinois National Guard was informed that members of the Texas National Guard would soon be deployed to Illinois, in addition to the federalization of troops already stationed in the state.

"This evening, President Trump is ordering 400 members of the Texas National Guard for deployments to Illinois, Oregon, and other locations within the United States," Pritzker's statement read in part. "No officials from the federal government called me directly to discuss or coordinate. We must now start calling this what it is: Trump's Invasion. It started with federal agents, it will soon include deploying federalized members of the Illinois National Guard against our wishes, and it will now involve sending in another state's military troops."

ByLissette Nuñez WLS logo
Oct 06, 2025, 12:45 AM GMT

Pentagon authorizes National Guard Chicago mission, state official says; Broadview protests continue

An Illinois official on Sunday confirmed to ABC News that the Illinois National Guard has received an official notification from the Pentagon authorizing a mission in Chicago.

"The Governor did not receive any calls from any federal officials," a statement from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's office read. "The Illinois National Guard communicated to the Department of War that the situation in Illinois does not require the use of the military and, as a result, the Governor opposes the deployment of the national guard under any status."

Protesters remained outside the Broadview ICE processing center Sunday, many waiting to see if the Chicago are will soon end up with National Guard troops on the streets.

"It would be sad to see troops in that position," protester Harold Garcia said. "They know they are working for a clown and have to follow orders."

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared on Fox and Friends Sunday morning and defended operations in the Chicagoland area.

"Everyday when we are doing our operations, when I am there with them people on the streets are clapping," Noem said. "They are clapping as these officers are arresting these criminals."

Governor Pritzker pushed back against Noem's comments in an interview on CNN.

"The secretary does not know what she is talking about," Pritzker said. "She says people are clapping, no they are booing her on the street, and they are booing ICE and CBP".

As of Sunday afternoon, protests remained peaceful in Broadview, as local police, state police, and sheriff's deputies stood by.

"I have family members who are Mexican," protester Samantha Bartolo said. "I am a second generation of an Italian immigrant, and what's happening to the immigrants in this country is wrong."

"I got to be honest, I was on the Trump side for the most part at the beginning of this, but my eyes have been so open to all this," protester Kyron Hemminger said. "From obvious evidence and videos of unlawful things happening, I can't support that anymore."

On Saturday, six protesters were arrested outside the Broadview processing center, federal officials said. So far, no arrests have been made Sunday.

Oct 05, 2025, 4:59 PM GMT

6 arrested during Saturday protests near Broadview ICE facility

Six people people were arrested as demonstrators and officers clashed near the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Saturday.

The Cook County Sheriff's Office said those arrested are facing charges such as resisting, obstructing and simple battery.

ABC7 cameras were on the scene when Illinois State Police detained at least four people.

The Broadview demonstrations came after Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced that President Donald Trump had authorized the deployment of 300 National Guard members to Chicago. Click here for more.