ICE launches operation in Chicago despite objections from mayor and Illinois governor

ICE is launching an operation in Chicago targeting undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes — a decision long rumored and opposed by local officials.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is launching an operation in Chicago targeting undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes, the Department of Homeland Security announced Monday — a decision long rumored and opposed by local officials.

DHS said the ICE effort is called “Operation Midway Blitz" and blamed so-called sanctuary policies in Chicago and Illinois. The DHS announcement didn’t mention using the National Guard, which President Donald Trump has publicly talked about.

Trump has been talking for weeks about possibly ordering federal authorities to Chicago, an effort he has said is intended to fight crime.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, both Democrats, as well as others, have criticized any such move, calling it unnecessary.

"Chicago doesn’t want to see reckless, unconstitutional, militarized immigration enforcement in our city," Johnson said Monday on X.