U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has released a video that details what he describes as abuses by federal immigration agencies in Chicago under directives from the Trump Administration.
The video highlights actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that Durbin says have harmed children and families in Chicago. It features personal accounts, including that of Ofelia Torres, whose father was detained by ICE despite having no criminal record shortly after she underwent chemotherapy.
Durbin states in the video: “What’s happening with ICE in Chicago is an outrage. I want to share with you some of the facts.” He continues, “ICE agents are masked, wearing combat gear, stopping people in our neighborhoods, deploying tear gas in our streets, pepper spraying protestors—and this is just what’s we’ve been able to capture on footage.” Durbin also notes ongoing defiance of court orders: “Time after time, the federal courts have ordered ICE to stop their attacks on innocent people in Chicago, but they continue.”
He adds: “I’m doing everything I can to show what’s happening in Chicago to lawmakers and hold the Trump Administration accountable for this constitutional crisis,” urging viewers to "stand with the innocent children and families."
In response to increased federal law enforcement activity—referred to as “Operation Midway Blitz” and “Operation At Large”—and threats to deploy military forces in Chicago without state consent, Durbin has taken several actions:
- He has regularly communicated with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson about these operations.
- Durbin secured a commitment from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to testify under oath regarding these activities.
- Alongside other Illinois Democrats, he wrote President Trump urging him not to deploy National Guard troops to Illinois.
- He led letters demanding DHS end both named operations and criticized arrests of immigrants without criminal records as well as escalation at protests.
- Durbin sought answers from DHS, DOD Secretary Pete Hegseth, and FBI Director Kash Patel about possible troop deployments; none have responded.
- With Senator Tammy Duckworth, he introduced amendments aimed at increasing congressional oversight over domestic troop deployment through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
- Durbin joined Duckworth in requesting DOD and DHS halt use of Chicago Harbor Lock facilities for immigration enforcement purposes.
- He called for body camera requirements for officers assisting ICE during civil immigration enforcement operations.
- Attempts by Durbin and Duckworth to conduct oversight visits at Broadview ICE Facility were blocked multiple times by DHS officials.
- After reports that Naval Station Great Lakes provided logistical support for federal agents involved in immigration operations, Durbin visited the base with colleagues but was denied meetings with DHS officials there.
- He led 26 Senators calling on the Department of Defense Inspector General to investigate domestic troop deployments' legality.
- In correspondence with Secretary Noem about hiring practices at ICE following a funding increase by Congress, Durbin raised concerns over recruitment messaging and lowered standards; Noem has not replied.
- Meetings were held with Navy leadership ensuring military resources would not be used beyond logistical support for DHS activities at Naval Station Great Lakes.
- Together with Representative Delia Ramirez and others from Illinois’ delegation, he requested a meeting with ICE Field Director Russell Hott regarding escalated enforcement responses; Hott did not respond before his removal from office this month.
- During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on crime focused only on Democratic-led cities despite higher violent crime rates elsewhere—a fact highlighted by Durbin—he challenged Attorney General Pam Bondi on rationale behind potential troop deployments; Bondi did not directly answer his questions.
Durbin has also spoken out against what he characterizes as excessive force used during raids while sharing stories such as that of 16-year-old Ofelia Torres. Further efforts include holding forums examining alleged abuse of immigrants' rights under current administration policies and convening meetings with NORTHCOM leadership alongside other senators seeking more information about military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
Durbin’s video detailing these events is available across major social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube.
