During the first week of June 2025, federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of ICE, conducted a surprise raid on the SpeedX warehouse, operated by Accelerated Global Operations, in Elk Grove Village, a northwest suburb of Chicago.
The operation generated great concern in the local immigrant community, especially due to the lack of immediate official information on the motives and the exact number of people detained.
Arrests for incomplete documentation
According to Cook County authorities, several employees were detained during the ICE raid for not physically carrying their work permits.
This is in spite of having a valid work authorization.
Although the companies involved assured that all the workers have permits, the lack of these documents at the time of the inspection led to their provisional detention.
Eyewitnesses reported that at least a dozen employees were escorted out of the building.
Initially, management indicated that only “a few” were detained.
This type of procedure generates confusion and fear, especially when workers are unaware of their rights during immigration operations.
Local authorities were not notified
Elk Grove Village police were informed by HSI shortly before the ICE raid.
However, federal agents did not share specific details or request collaboration.
Este tipo de procedimientos genera confusión y temor
The operation began around 11:30 a.m. and concluded at approximately 1:50 p.m., with no public incidents reported.
But with great uncertainty among the workers’ families.
Fear in the immigrant community
The ICE raid sparked concern among residents and community leaders, who fear for the separation of families.
As well as the possible deportation of persons without the guarantee of their procedural rights.
Immigration attorneys warn that, even if an individual’s employment status is in order, a temporary lack of documents can be used as justification for preventive detentions during these inspections.
Activists point out that these actions may violate workers’ constitutional rights by not guaranteeing due process and the right to a hearing before proceeding with deportations.
In addition, they stress that many immigrants live in constant fear of these raids, especially in a national context where ICE raids have increased in frequency.
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