Evanston, a Chicago suburb, is bracing for a potential influx of federal immigration agents, issuing a stark warning to residents. This follows President Trump's repeated threats of a nationwide immigration crackdown and the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago. Local officials revealed they received information over the weekend indicating the likelihood of imminent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity within the city.
The heightened alert comes after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced "Operation Midway Blitz," a controversial initiative seemingly targeting undocumented immigrants in Chicago. The operation's name, reminiscent of World War II military terminology, has drawn criticism, particularly given its purported tribute to an Illinois woman killed in a drunk-driving accident allegedly involving a Guatemalan national. The DHS post framed the operation as a response to Chicago's perceived limitations on local law enforcement cooperation with ICE.
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss confirmed receiving information from the governor's office regarding the potential deployment of ICE agents. The city's official statement urges residents to be vigilant, report any sightings of federal agents, and understand their rights. To differentiate local law enforcement from federal agents, Evanston police will continue to wear clearly marked uniforms and vests.
This situation mirrors escalating tensions between the federal government and Illinois state officials. Reports emerged earlier this week of an advance team of ICE agents undergoing crowd-control training, and a significant deployment of agents from Los Angeles to Chicago. Governor JB Pritzker voiced concerns about potential ICE targeting of Mexican Independence Day celebrations. The El Grito Chicago festival was subsequently postponed.
President Trump’s actions echo similar controversial federal interventions in other major Democratic-led cities, characterized by claims of a "national crime emergency," despite nationwide crime rate decreases. Despite criticism, and despite a federal judge deeming his deployment of military troops to Los Angeles illegal, the President maintains his focus on deploying federal forces to address violent crime and homelessness, particularly in Chicago, which he has repeatedly labeled a "hellhole." He insists his actions aim to “help the people of Chicago,” despite significant opposition from local and state leaders.
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Originally published at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/08/chicago-suburb-evanston-federal-agents
