ICE Raid In Chicago have left dozens detained, families separated, and children taken into custody as DHS targets suspected gang-linked immigrants in South Shore operation.
A large-scale federal immigration raid in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood has triggered widespread outrage after 37 people were arrested and several American-born children separated from their undocumented parents.
Residents described the overnight operation early Tuesday as “an invasion,” recounting scenes of panic as helicopters hovered overhead and heavily armed officers swarmed the five-story apartment complex. “I’ve lived on military bases, and I’ve never seen anything like it,” said neighbor Darrell Ballard, who watched agents detain residents in the parking lot for hours.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the raid was part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” a nationwide effort that has led to the arrest of more than 800 undocumented immigrants since September 8. Officials said those detained included citizens of Venezuela, Mexico, Nigeria, and Colombia.
According to DHS, the apartment building was targeted because it was “known to be frequented by members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.” Two alleged gang members were among those arrested, while others reportedly had criminal records, including charges of aggravated battery and drug possession.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sharply condemned the federal operation, accusing agents of “snatching up families, scaring law-abiding residents, violating due process rights, and even detaining U.S. citizens.” His office called for an immediate review of the incident.
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Photographs from the aftermath showed shattered windows, debris-strewn hallways, and damaged furniture. Tenants said officers detained nearly everyone in the building, regardless of immigration status. “I had a gun pointed in my face,” said resident Pertissue Fisher, who was handcuffed despite having no criminal record. “It was terrifying.”
DHS said four American citizen children with undocumented parents were taken into protective custody. One of the children, officials claimed, was found with a suspected gang member. “For their safety and to ensure they were not being trafficked or exploited, these children were temporarily placed under state care,” a DHS spokesperson said.
Witnesses described chaos as flash bangs echoed through the neighborhood. “Kids were crying. People were screaming,” said neighbor Eboni Watson. “They zip-tied the kids together. It was heartbreaking.”
DHS said it is still processing those arrested “due to the scale of the operation.” The agency defended its actions, saying, “Federal law enforcement officers will not stand by and allow criminal activity to flourish in our neighborhoods.”
Civil rights groups are calling for transparency and independent oversight as community anger continues to mount.
