United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is intensifying its immigration enforcement efforts in the Chicago area by expanding operations to the Chicago River and the Great Lakes region. ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ has led to over 500 arrests, including individuals with serious criminal histories, according to recent reports. CBP Commander Gregory Bovino emphasized that enforcement measures now include waterways, stating, ‘Wherever the border’s at, that’s where Border Patrol is gonna be.’ The initiative has faced pushback from local Democratic leaders, who criticized the federal crackdown as overly aggressive.
The operation has drawn attention from lawmakers and officials, with President Donald Trump advocating for the potential deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago to address concerns over crime. Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, however, has opposed such measures, calling them an imposition of authoritarian rule. Meanwhile, CBP leadership, including Chief Michael Banks and Executive Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Miller, has publicly supported the enforcement strategy, highlighting its necessity in maintaining border security. The broader context includes ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities over immigration policies and law enforcement strategies.
CBP Air and Marine Operations Executive Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Miller tweeted a video from one of the boats, writing, ‘Operation Midway Blitz here in Chicago is as vital as anywhere else in the country! We will not back down.’ This underscores the agency’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws across all regions, including waterways. However, critics have raised concerns about the impact of these actions on local communities and the potential for increased tensions between federal and state authorities.
The involvement of the National Guard in potential city-deployments, such as Chicago and Memphis, Tennessee, highlights the broader policy debate on how to manage immigration and crime in urban areas. Despite initial criticism, the federal government continues its strategy, citing the need to reduce crime and enhance border security. The ongoing enforcement measures reflect the complex interplay between national security, law enforcement, and local governance in the context of immigration policy.