U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested nearly 550 individuals in the Chicago area as part of the "Midway Blitz" operation, launched on September 8, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The updated tally, released Friday, reflects arrests by ICE and assisting federal agencies, surpassing an earlier estimate of over 400 provided to The Associated Press. This enforcement push follows similar initiatives in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., signaling a broader escalation under President Donald Trump's immigration agenda.

The operation has sparked significant backlash from activists and immigrant communities, who report a heightened presence of federal agents and express fears of aggressive tactics reminiscent of those in other cities. Critics allege excessive force, including the brief detention of two U.S. citizens this week and the fatal shooting of a man on September 12 during a traffic stop, where authorities claim he dragged an ICE officer while fleeing. Trump supporters, however, view the actions as fulfilling promises of mass deportations, amid plans to deploy additional agents and National Guard troops to Chicago—despite opposition from local leaders who decry the moves as inflammatory and disruptive.

Acting ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations head Marcos Charles told the AP that 50% to 60% of arrests were "targeted," focusing on individuals with criminal convictions, final removal orders, or other priorities on ICE's radar. The remainder are "collateral arrests"—undocumented individuals encountered incidentally during operations. Such collateral detentions were prohibited under the Biden administration but reinstated by Trump shortly after taking office to accelerate deportations. Charles noted that some collateral cases still involve criminal histories, though they were not the primary targets.

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DHS initiated "Midway Blitz" in response to criticisms of Chicago and Illinois policies limiting local cooperation with ICE, which officials argue allows criminal immigrants to be released into communities, necessitating community-based pursuits. Opponents, including local officials and advocates, contend that such enforcement hinders crime reporting by immigrant victims and witnesses, emphasizing immigration as a federal duty. As the operation continues without confirmed military involvement, it highlights ongoing tensions between federal priorities and sanctuary city protections.

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