Dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz,” the Trump administration’s sweeping illegal immigration raids across Illinois have yielded more than 1,000 arrests of illegal immigrants, The Daily Wire can reveal.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Protection sent reinforcements to the sanctuary state Sept. 8, resulting in the arrests of gang members, sex offenders, child abusers, and other violent criminals, the Department of Homeland Security told The Daily Wire.
“Our patriotic law enforcement officers are making these arrests despite working [without] pay because of the Democrats’ shutdown,” Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement regarding the operation.
“President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow continued violence or repeat offenders to terrorize our neighborhoods and victimize our children. Operation Midway Blitz is making Illinois safe again,” she added.
Erick Rios, a criminal illegal alien, and confirmed MS-13 gang member with prior arrests for consumption of liquor by a minor, violating a bail bond, criminal damage to property, mob action, a conviction for DUI, and a final order of removal. (DHS)
Rafael Alberto Tolentino Martinez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico with convictions for
aggravated domestic battery of a 3-year-old. (DHS)
Ludwing Jeanpier Parra-Perez, a criminal illegal alien, and a confirmed member of the Tren de Aragua gang. (DHS)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem tagged along with federal authorities Friday in Broadview, Illinois, where she said she was “blocked from accessing the Village of Broadview Municipal Building in Illinois.”
“We were stopping for a quick bathroom break. This is a public building. The Village of Broadview receives at least $1 million in federal funding every year,” Noem wrote on X, sharing a video of the encounter.
“This is how JB Pritzker and his cronies treat our law enforcement. Absolutely shameful,” she added, referencing the Illinois Democratic governor and rumored 2028 presidential candidate.
The ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, has for weeks been targeted by rioters, who have tried to thwart the federal arrest operations. On Friday, state and local police responded to the latest demonstrations in riot gear.
Snipers were also stationed on the roof of the ICE facility.
Pritzker has responded by condemning the effort.
“The Trump Administration’s DHS officers appear to be carrying large weapons around downtown Chicago in camouflage and masks. This is not making anybody safer — it’s a show of intimidation, instilling fear in our communities and hurting our businesses,” Pritzker wrote on X Sunday.