Federal immigration agents patrolled downtown Chicago on Sunday, September 28th, as part of the Trump administration’s expanding immigration crackdown. Armed and masked officers in camouflage were seen along Michigan Avenue, the Chicago River, and near River North, where arrests took place outside Catholic Charities. A family was also reportedly detained near Millennium Park.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed 11 arrests at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview over the weekend. Officials said two guns were seized and that an investigation had been opened into a suspected explosive device found near the site. ICE described the operations as part of its “Midway Blitz,” launched earlier this month.
Tensions rose in Broadview on Friday and Saturday when agents used pepper balls and tear gas on demonstrators gathered outside the facility. Protesters reported that federal officers destroyed tents and donations collected for families affected by immigration enforcement. By Sunday night, the demonstrations were calmer but continued.
Illinois leaders denounced the federal presence. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the patrols “another brazen provocation” that “does nothing to make our city safer.” Governor JB Pritzker argued the display was “a show of intimidation” that “instills fear in our communities and hurts our businesses.”
Federal officials defended their actions. Gregory Bovino, commander-at-large of the U.S. Border Patrol, emphasized that many residents welcomed the patrols. “They are congratulating us, saying, ‘It’s about time you’re here,’” he told NewsNation, linking the surge to violence associated with illegal migration.
The crackdown in Chicago follows federal deployments in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon. President Trump has vowed to continue such measures, framing them as essential to restoring “law and order” in U.S. cities.
