Enforcement Activity
Chicago ICE activity tracker
Operation Midway Blitz, a federal immigration enforcement surge in the Chicago area, began September 8, 2025. This page tracks reported cumulative arrests and the City of Chicago's response.
Last updated: 2026-07-04
View data table
| Date | Cumulative arrests | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Early November 2025 | 3,000 | Brennan Center |
| November 19, 2025 | 4,200+ | DHS figure, reported by Reuters and Newsweek |
Chicago's city response
October 2025
Executive order barring city-owned property as staging for civil immigration enforcement
First major U.S. city to adopt an "ICE-free zone" policy
Source: Vera Institute
Late January 2026
Executive Order 2026-01, "ICE On Notice"
Directs Chicago police to document and preserve evidence of apparent legal violations by federal agents and refer potential felonies to the Cook County State's Attorney
Source: City of Chicago
March 18, 2026
City Council clarifies COPA authority
Authorized COPA to investigate Welcoming City Ordinance complaints
Source: City of Chicago
The Welcoming City Ordinance
- Chicago police do not ask about immigration status.
- Chicago police do not honor ICE detainers without a criminal judicial warrant.
- Chicago police do not participate in civil immigration raids.
- Chicago police do not share non-public information with ICE for civil immigration enforcement.
Source: Chicago Police Department — immigrant communities page
This page provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law changes frequently — confirm current details with a licensed immigration attorney or the official government source cited below.
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