The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced ongoing efforts to arrest non-citizens charged with driving under the influence in Illinois, as part of Operation Midway Blitz. The operation was launched in September in memory of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old Illinois resident who, along with her friend Chloe Polzin, died in a drunk driving hit-and-run incident in January 2025. The driver responsible for the crash was identified as Julio Cucul-Bol, who authorities say was living illegally in the United States.
Joe Abraham, Katie’s father, commented on his daughter’s death and the circumstances that led to it: “Katie’s death was preventable. She was killed by a man, Julio Cucul Bol, who entered and remained in our country illegally,” he said. “He was using multiple aliases, exploiting gaps in an overwhelmed and disorganized immigration system. Illinois’ sanctuary law allowed this monster to roam free. He should have been removed long before he could take my daughter’s life. It would be unjust and unreasonable to separate my family’s loss from the policies that failed us. We did everything right. We worked hard, obeyed the law, paid our taxes and trusted that government would protect us in return. That trust was broken. Our leaders — from the governor’s office on down — have not treated immigration as a matter of public safety or national security.”
According to DHS officials, several individuals have been arrested during Operation Midway Blitz for charges related to driving under the influence:
- Benito Hernandez Ibarra: A previously deported individual from Mexico with multiple DUI convictions; released back into the community after an ICE detainer filed in 2012 was not honored.
- Javier Castillo Hernandez: From Mexico; convicted of DUI.
- Erick Antonio Huerta-Rojas: From Mexico; convicted of DUI.
- Oscar Sinchi: From Ecuador; convicted of aggravated DUI.
- Ismael Lopez-Suarez: From Mexico; multiple DUI convictions.
- Hubert Stanislaw Solek: From Poland; overstayed his visa since 2015 and has multiple DUI convictions.
- Manuel Sanchez-Caceres: Previously deported from Mexico with multiple DUI convictions.
- Olegario Gomez-Perez: From Guatemala; multiple DUI convictions.
- Francisco Velasquez Lopez: From Mexico; multiple DUI convictions.
DHS stated that its law enforcement officers continue working daily to prevent similar tragedies and protect communities across Illinois.
Victims affected by crimes committed by non-citizens can seek assistance through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office by calling 1-855-488-6423.
