U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and other Illinois Congressional Democrats have released a detailed fact sheet disputing claims made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding immigration enforcement in Illinois.
Durbin stated, "The Trump Administration continues to peddle outright lies since its unprovoked, unnecessary, and unhelpful enforcement activity in Illinois. The photos and videos out of Illinois are horrific, showing unspeakable acts committed by the United States government against its own civilians including teargassing, pepper spraying, racial profiling, excessive force, and physical violence. Neighbors are looking out for neighbors—but it shouldn’t have to be this way. We will continue to document and share the reality of what’s actually happening in Chicago and communities impacted by this anti-immigrant agenda—and hold the Trump Administration accountable for these atrocities."
Senator Tammy Duckworth added: "The Trump Administration has continued to spin lies—about our city, the people they’re targeting and their excessive use of force against Illinoisans. Trump’s agents have deployed tear gas outside elementary schools, shot a priest in the head with pepper balls, violently attacked peaceful protestors and brandished weapons at innocent bystanders. They’ve detained a preschool teacher at a daycare, hardworking people with work permits and even scores of American citizens—and then put out misleading or outright false public statements to try and justify their unlawful actions. We will continue to push back against this misinformation, and I encourage Illinoisans to continue recording everything they see to shed light on the truth and help us hold this Administration accountable."
Representative Robin Kelly said: "The Trump administration has repeatedly proven they cannot be trusted to tell us the facts. So, here's the truth: Chicagoans are terrified and angered by ICE's Gestapo tactics and DHS's clear abuses of power. I visited the apartment in my District raided by federal agents and met with constituents separated from loved ones, and I've seen the destruction and heartbreak caused by DHS. I'm holding truth to power and will always expose President Trump's lies.”
Representative Delia Ramirez commented: "Greg Bovino, Tricia McLauglin, Kristi Noem, and Tom Homan are vicious liars. Over and over again, Trump's DHS has been caught lying and manipulating to hide their unlawful actions. Holding them accountable starts by shedding light on the truth. I am proud to work with my colleagues of the Illinois Congressional Delegation to set the record straight on the terror and lawlessness that ICE and CBP have inflicted on our communities.”
Representative Jesús “Chuy” García stated: “I have seen the brutality and abuses of power by DHS officers in my district. I have seen images of my constituents being tear gassed, dragged out of vehicles and detained without warrants just because of the color of their skin or the job they do. My grandchild is scared because their helicopters are hovering at night over our neighborhood. People are being detained and disappeared. DHS is lying about their actions and about who they are arresting, and we must hold them accountable for the chaos and brutality they have brought to Chicago.”
Congressman Sean Casten said: “The Trump Administration has emboldened ICE to use violent unconstitutional tactics as an attempt to increase control and spread fear. Illinoisans will not be intimidated... While the Trump Administration seems hellbent on spreading misinformation... we must continue to ensure that American people know the truth about what is happening in Illinois.”
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi added: "The Trump Administration is spreading false narratives while putting Illinois families ... in real danger... We will continue to expose the truth... fight ...to ensure our communities remain safe..."
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky remarked: “What’s happening in Chicago... isn’t about law & order; it’s about power & cruelty.... Every person deserves ... dignity ...without fear.... Now more than ever we must speak up....”
Congressman Bill Foster noted: "Operation Midway Blitz is not law enforcement—it is a campaign of fear..."
Representative Lauren Underwood said: "For more than 10 months [DHS] has engaged in a horrifying campaign ... Their conduct is illegal.... Our communities deserve truth... not endless propaganda..."
According to information provided by Durbin's office:
- Federal agents have used force such as tear gas against peaceful protesters.
- Local police were sometimes exposed unintentionally when chemical agents were deployed.
- Arrests were made based on race or ethnicity; Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino admitted that these factors play a significant role during arrests.
- Several U.S citizens—including local government staffers—were reportedly detained.
- Most detainees had no criminal convictions; federal officials shifted resources away from investigating serious crimes toward broader immigration raids.
- Videos promoted as evidence for unrest often showed footage from other states rather than current events in Chicago.
The lawmakers argue that these points contradict DHS statements that label protests as violent riots or claim only criminals were targeted during operations like Operation Midway Blitz.
They maintain that both immigrants’ rights advocates and independent analysts agree that misinformation should not justify what they call unlawful deployments or constitutional violations.
