13 arrested by Border Patrol at South Side flea market, DHS says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thirteen people were arrested Thursday in a federal law enforcement operation at a Chicago flea market Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security said.

DHS said those arrested by U.S. Border Patrol at the Swap-O-Rama are in the country illegally and have previously been arrested for driving under the influence and domestic violence.

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Federal immigration agents were spotted across Chicago on Thursday as "Operation Midway Blitz" continues.

Witnesses say as many as 30 federal officers swarmed the flea market, located near 41st Street and South Ashland Avenue in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.

"If anyone was running, that's who they grabbed," Swap-O-Rama vendor Noe Ochoa said.

Alderwoman Julia Ramirez of the 12th Ward says several vendors were among those detained.

Some protested at the flea market later Thursday.

Uncertainty loomed over the families who depend on the flea market for survival.