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.
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Oct 11, 2025, 9:03 PM GMT

Appeals court upholds ruling blocking Trump admin. from deploying National Guard in Illinois

The Trump administration on Friday asked an appeals court for an immediate stay of a Chicago federal judge's ruling this week that blocked the National Guard from deploying in Illinois.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Saturday upheld the judge's ruling, but did partially grant the Trump administration's request for stay by allowing troops to remain federalized pending their appeal of the judge's ruling.

For more information, click here.

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Oct 10, 2025, 8:25 PM GMT

ICE activity reported near schools across North Side, officials say

ICE activity was reported Friday near schools across Chicago's North Side, officials said.

Ald. Matt Martin of the 47th Ward shared the following statement:
"This morning, ICE agents have been active throughout our ward, as well as in neighboring wards. These agents are wearing green-and-beige camouflage uniforms, are driving white and black SUVs, and have detained multiple people. Many of the locations ICE agents have been spotted at are schools-both public and private. If you're able, please consider supporting safe pick ups at the school closest to you. I know that so many across our ward and city are afraid to venture outside-even for the most mundane activities-worried that they, their loved ones, or their neighbors may be targeted. Let's continue supporting one another."

Lane Tech High School sent the following message to school parents:
"LANETHS-Safety is number one priority; we were notified there may be ICE activity in the area. If students would like to remain in the building to wait for safe ride or bus, they are welcome. Adults will be near the bus stops in case there is a need for support."

Oct 10, 2025, 8:25 PM GMT

3 arrested during protest at Broadview ICE facility

Illinois State Police arrested at least three people after a scuffle during a protest near the concrete barricades around the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Friday morning.

ISP troopers could be seen in riot gear, holding the line as some demonstrators shouted expletives at law enforcement.

"It's very scary to be out here. I have a gas mask in my pocket, I have water. This hole here is from a rubber bullet that was shot a couple of weeks ago," said demonstrator Dorian Breuer.

Earlier Friday morning, Christians came together near 25th and Harvard to pray and share communion as the Department of Homeland Security's operation "Midway Blitz" continues.

"I think Jesus would be right here, right here on the front lines, saying, 'No, this must stop. This is wrong,'" said Park Ridge Community Church Rev. Carol Hill.

Faith leaders joined in prayer and worship at the communion table, sharing a message of love amid the immigration crackdown.

"This is exactly where Jesus would be. Jesus would be speaking truth to power and making sure that the people whose voices are being silenced, that their voices are being heard and that when people are being harmed people of faith need to be standing in the way with our bodies and our spirits and songs," said Urban Village Church Rev. Abby Holcombe. Click here for more.

Oct 10, 2025, 12:33 PM GMT

Judge orders removal of fencing at Broadview ICE facility

A judge has ordered the removal of a fence surrounding the Broadview ICE facility.

Attorneys for the federal government argued that the fencing across Beach Street was needed to conduct business and to protect vehicles and personnel, after conflicts erupted during protests of ICE action during operation "Midway Blitz."

The village of Broadview said the fence was put up without village approval, and it blocks emergency response.

The judge sided with Broadview officials. Click here for more.