Human rights attorneys in Chicago are raising alarms about “Operation Midway Blitz,” a federal immigration crackdown that has resulted in over 3,000 arrests. Authorities have been unable or unwilling to disclose the locations or status of many detainees, raising concerns about due process and potential coerced departures. Legal challenges include efforts to block the use of tear gas, alleging violations of existing restraining orders and citing incidents of excessive force. With legal battles underway and a Supreme Court ruling pending on the deployment of National Guard troops, the operation remains under intense scrutiny.
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In response to President Trump’s order to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago to quell protests, Illinois National Guard Captain Dylan Blaha and Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek have stated they will defy the order. They believe the deployment is unjust, particularly given the focus on immigration enforcement and the impact on the community. Both cite concerns about the legality of the order and the potential for it to target innocent civilians. Refusal to comply could result in court-martial, imprisonment, or a felony-level discharge.
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Congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh has been indicted on federal charges related to protests outside an ICE facility, facing accusations of conspiracy to impede an ICE officer and assault. The indictment alleges Abughazaleh and others damaged an agent’s car during demonstrations against ICE enforcement. These charges carry significant prison sentences and follow a surge in federal law enforcement action against protestors. The progressive politician calls the charges politically motivated as right-wing influencers and politicians have called for her arrest. Videos of the interactions between protestors and federal agents have gone viral.
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A 67-year-old U.S. citizen allegedly suffered serious injuries, including broken ribs and internal bleeding, after being forcibly removed from his car by federal agents during an immigration sweep. The incident occurred in front of children and was captured on video, leading to public outrage. The man’s injuries required hospitalization, and he is reportedly considering legal action against the Department of Homeland Security. This event is part of a broader crackdown in Chicago, led by Border Patrol, which has sparked legal battles and accusations of excessive force. Court rulings have been made, attempting to limit aggressive tactics by the agents.
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In a recent hearing, an Illinois federal judge admonished Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino for the agency’s harsh tactics used against civilians during immigration raids in Chicago. Judge Ellis ordered Bovino to report daily with details of confrontations and mandated the use of body cameras. The hearing followed instances of tear gas deployment, including one incident during a children’s Halloween parade, prompting the judge to express concern over the safety of the community. Despite the judge’s directives, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement supporting Bovino’s actions, emphasizing the mission to ensure America’s safety.
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In Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood, Border Patrol agents were filmed violently detaining a 67-year-old U.S. citizen, allegedly breaking his ribs and causing internal bleeding. This occurred during an immigration enforcement operation that disrupted a children’s Halloween parade. Residents reported that agents deployed tear gas without warning, and the tactics used have sparked outrage. A Department of Homeland Security statement addressed the operation, but not the specific treatment of the man. Court filings detail that agents’ actions may have violated a temporary restraining order limiting aggressive tactics.
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According to AP News, Chicago children were caught in the middle of a federal immigration crackdown. On an October day, tear gas was deployed near a school, causing panic among parents and children. This event, part of “Operation Midway Blitz”, involved masked agents and unmarked vehicles, leading to widespread fear and trauma within the community. The incident has left lasting effects, with children expressing anxieties and parents grappling with how to address the situation, as the community now lives in fear of future raids.
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Since the start of the “Midway Blitz” in Chicago, over 3,000 alleged undocumented immigrants have been detained. Human rights organizations and attorneys are struggling to locate the detainees, as authorities have been unable to provide information on their whereabouts. Concerns are growing that some detainees are being pressured to accept voluntary departure, which results in deportation. Despite a court order requiring authorities to report on their handling of arrests, the government has not yet fully complied.
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A former Cook County prosecutor collected a tear gas canister from his lawn in a Chicago neighborhood after witnessing federal agents using tear gas during an immigration raid, impacting a Halloween parade. The agents detained several individuals, including an undocumented immigrant and elderly neighbors, while also deploying tear gas. Despite a recent court order limiting the use of riot control weapons, this incident marked the third consecutive day of tear gas deployment. The prosecutor plans to submit the canister as evidence to the law firm, potentially impacting the upcoming court case with Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino.
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Two Illinois National Guard members have publicly stated they would refuse federal orders to deploy in Chicago as part of a controversial immigration enforcement mission. The guardsmen, a state legislative candidate and a congressional candidate, expressed concerns about being used against their community and questioned the legality of the orders. They both stated they would not obey orders, and they are facing retaliation for their statements, including a suspended security clearance and death threats. A federal judge has delayed the deployment until further notice, but the soldiers warn this is a dangerous precedent that could lead to further militarization of American cities.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE and Chicago: Could 3,000 Immigrant Detainees Have Disappeared?
Since the start of the “Midway Blitz” in Chicago, over 3,000 alleged undocumented immigrants have been detained. Human rights organizations and attorneys are struggling to locate the detainees, as authorities have been unable to provide information on their whereabouts. Concerns are growing that some detainees are being pressured to accept voluntary departure, which results in deportation. Despite a court order requiring authorities to report on their handling of arrests, the government has not yet fully complied.
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