Border Patrol agents in Chicago have arrested a suspected member of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) during a raid in a suburban Home Depot parking lot. The operation took place under Operation Midway Blitz, a targeted enforcement effort aimed at removing dangerous criminal aliens from the city.
Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino, who leads the mission, released video and photos showing the raid. “The Green Machine is rolling hard in Chicago, making YOUR communities safe. Tren de Aragua terrorist member caught during THIS operation,” Bovino said. He added a clear message for the city: “We are here, Chicago, and we are not going anywhere.”
Authorities say the gang member has a lengthy criminal history. He was previously arrested for cannabis possession and theft of services. More troubling, he is wanted in New York City in connection with a murder investigation. “Luckily, he won’t have a chance to add to his greatest hits here in Chicago at your expense,” Bovino remarked. “You’re welcome!”
Tren de Aragua, originally formed inside Venezuelan prisons, has expanded its reach across Latin America and into the United States. The group is notorious for crimes including drug trafficking, extortion, human smuggling, and murder. Federal officials have warned that the gang represents one of the most serious emerging threats tied to illegal immigration.
Operation Midway Blitz highlights Chicago as a major focus for federal law enforcement. Sanctuary policies have limited local cooperation with immigration authorities, creating what critics call a safe haven for foreign gangs. Federal agents have stepped in with targeted raids to remove violent offenders who may otherwise evade capture.
Bovino emphasized that the mission will continue aggressively. “We are here,” he said, making clear that federal enforcement efforts in Chicago are only ramping up.
