UPDATE: A federal immigration operation in Elgin, Illinois, led by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, has resulted in the **unexpected arrest of two U.S. citizens**. The raid, which took place early this morning, is part of a sweeping enforcement initiative dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz” targeting criminal noncitizens in the Chicago area.
Authorities report that the operation, which included agents in tactical gear, resulted in **five arrests** overall, with two individuals mistakenly detained before being released upon proving their citizenship. The raid highlights the **intensified focus on immigration enforcement** under the current administration.
Witnesses described a scene filled with helicopters, tactical vehicles, and bright spotlights illuminating the area. One neighbor reported the ominous presence of a helicopter drone overhead as agents executed the operation on the **900 block of Chippewa Drive**. Local sources suggest that the broader federal effort aims to apprehend what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) calls “criminal illegal aliens” in Illinois.
Noem shared footage of the operation on social media platform X, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of such actions. “Just this morning, DHS took violent offenders off the streets with arrests for assault, DUI, and felony stalking,” she stated. Her presence underscores the political significance of these raids, as the White House aims for a goal of **3,000 daily ICE arrests**, raising concerns about potential **indiscriminate enforcement practices**.
Critics of the operation have voiced their concerns. Joe Botello, a Texas citizen detained during the raid, expressed frustration: “I told them I was a U.S. citizen, that my ID was in my wallet.” Illinois state Senator Cristina Castro reacted strongly to Noem’s involvement: “She can go to hell. Don’t come into my community.”
This ICE raid is part of a broader crackdown on immigration that has characterized the Trump administration, which has pledged to conduct the largest mass deportation in U.S. history. Since taking office, there have been over **66,000 arrests** and **65,000 removals** in the first 100 days alone, with the detention population swelling to **55,000 people**, significantly higher than pre-inauguration levels.
As the operation continues throughout the Chicago region, federal agencies, including ICE, U.S. Marshals, the FBI, and Customs and Border Protection, are expected to remain active. The community is on high alert as authorities confirm that the raids will persist for several weeks.
This developing story is being closely monitored, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for further developments on this significant immigration enforcement action in Illinois.
