Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security | official website
More than 1,000 individuals described as illegal aliens have been arrested in Illinois since the launch of Operation Midway Blitz, according to an announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The operation, which began on September 8, was initiated in response to the death of Katie Abraham, who was killed in a car accident involving an undocumented immigrant.
The DHS stated that the operation is focused on apprehending criminal non-citizens who have come to Chicago and other parts of Illinois. The agency attributes their presence to what it calls "sanctuary policies" in the state.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “During Operation Midway Blitz, our brave DHS law enforcement has made more than 1,000 arrests across Illinois including of pedophiles, child abusers, kidnappers, gang members, and armed robbers. Our patriotic law enforcement officers are making these arrests despite working without pay because of the Democrats' shutdown. 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.”
The list of those arrested includes individuals with prior convictions or charges such as aggravated domestic battery against a minor, sexual assault offenses, armed robbery, gang affiliation—including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua—and various forms of assault and theft.
The DHS reported that both U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol participated in the operation.
