Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) slammed the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago during a CNN interview Tuesday, calling it a “farce” and likening federal agents to “secret police.” The criticism came as a senior Border Patrol official faced legal scrutiny over tactics used during recent arrests in the city.
Durbin responded to video evidence allegedly showing the official deploying tear gas into a crowd. He denounced the operation’s approach, stating that 70% of those detained in recent ICE raids have no criminal record. The Illinois senator claimed agents were targeting community gatherings like church services and Halloween parades, suggesting the federal effort is more performative than protective.
The enforcement surge in Chicago is part of the Trump administration’s expanded crackdown on illegal immigration, aimed at arresting and deporting individuals with outstanding removal orders. The operation has faced mounting legal and political challenges over its tactics and the presence of heavily armed, often masked federal agents.
Durbin called the ongoing effort a “military presence” and an “outrage,” accusing the administration of using immigration enforcement to intimidate communities and erode civil liberties.
The legal battle continues as federal officials prepare to defend their actions in court amid growing resistance from Democrat-led cities like Chicago.
