Do you live in Chicago? In 2025, Operation Midway Blitz has increased the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This has occurred in many neighborhoods in Chicago and its suburbs.
This campaign seeks, according to federal authorities, to reduce crime through immigration operations, but has generated fear and concern among immigrant communities.
Neighborhoods under ICE surveillance in Chicago
ICE has primarily stepped up surveillance in areas with high immigrant population density in Chicago, including neighborhoods such as Pilsen, Little Village and Humboldt Park, as well as suburbs such as Mount Prospect.
In these areas, it is common for ICE agents to operate with unmarked vehicles and, at times, in plain clothes or with their faces covered.
This presence has increased since September due to the aforementioned operation, which highlights the question: do you live in Chicago and have you seen these stocks?
Community impact and local reaction
Although the administration claims that these actions improve public safety, immigrant families and community leaders argue that these interventions create an environment of fear and insecurity.
For example, neighbors in Pilsen have reported that officers have made arrests even of people without criminal records, prompting protests and community policing campaigns, so if you live in Chicago, these are realities to consider.
In light of this situation, organizations such as PUÑO (Pilsen Unidos) have implemented trainings so that the community can legally monitor ICE activity and protect each other.
More than 1,200 people have registered for these sessions, where materials with information on rights and strategies for dealing with arrests are also distributed.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I live in Chicago and know how to protect myself?”, here are helpful resources.
Municipal measures to protect immigrants
For its part, the city of Chicago has responded with legal measures to limit federal action.
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed orders prohibiting federal agents from using municipal land for raids.
It also requires federal agencies to follow local police laws.
In addition, the Welcoming City Ordinance, which provides certain protections to immigrants regardless of their immigration status, is strengthened.
All of these changes are relevant if you are in Chicago.
Recommendations for residents
Finally, residents of these neighborhoods are advised to inform themselves about their rights.
They should also participate in community trainings and be alert to any suspicious presence of immigration agents.
Having contact numbers for legal aid and support organizations can make all the difference in cases of raids and arrests, especially if you live in Chicago, where the situation is complex.
Filed under: Neighborhoods under ICE surveillance in Chicago
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
