The Department of Homeland Security executed a large-scale immigration enforcement action in the Chicagoland area, resulting in multiple arrests of illegal aliens with serious criminal records. The operation, known as “Operation Midway Blitz,” was conducted by federal agents in Elgin, Illinois. Secretary Kristi Noem was on-site during the early morning raids.
Federal agents arrested several individuals wanted for crimes including assault, driving under the influence, felony stalking, and illegal re-entry after deportation. The operation featured tactical entry teams, roadblocks, and forced entries into targeted residences. Among the most significant arrests was Aldo Salazar Bahena, a convicted murderer who had previously been released under Illinois sanctuary policies despite a federal removal order issued in 2016.
ICE agents reported that Bahena had completed his sentence at a maximum-security prison and was released without notification to immigration officials. It took agents several days to locate and apprehend him after his release. Bahena is now in federal custody and will face deportation proceedings.
Operation Midway Blitz was modeled after earlier efforts such as “Operation At-Large” in Los Angeles, where ICE conducted targeted arrests of criminal aliens in sanctuary jurisdictions. Elgin was selected in part because of its proximity to Chicago and its record of non-cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Noem condemned Illinois officials for their refusal to cooperate with ICE, stating that sanctuary policies put American lives at risk. She emphasized that the federal government would continue to enforce immigration laws with or without state and local assistance, particularly when violent offenders are involved.
The operation has already drawn criticism from Illinois lawmakers who oppose immigration enforcement within sanctuary zones. However, DHS officials argue that these actions are necessary to uphold public safety and the rule of law.
