Chicago Raids Spark Outrage: Videos Show Aggressive Federal Immigration Sweeps and 3,300+ Arrests

For nearly two months, federal agents have carried out surprise immigration raids across Chicago, emerging from unmarked vehicles in neighborhoods throughout the city to detain residents as part of an enforcement push dubbed "Operation Midway Blitz." Attorneys for detainees say the campaign has resulted in more than 3,300 arrests.

Videos collected from witnesses and residents show aggressive tactics: officers striking people who were already restrained, deploying tear gas near homes and schools, and pointing pepper spray at onlookers who gathered to protest. The operations have affected a wide range of neighborhoods — from the South Side to Lakeview, Old Irving Park, Evanston and even Millennium Park.

Scope and response

The raids have been geographically broad and often unpredictable, targeting both affluent and working-class blocks and stopping people at schools, workplaces and grocery stores. Community members have mobilized to protect neighbors and to record encounters with agents, producing dozens of videos that document confrontations and arrests. Requests for comment from federal agencies were not answered; administration officials have previously defended the actions of agents.

A South Side arrest

On Oct. 14 in the East Side neighborhood, Jose Aguilar filmed four agents following two people into a pharmacy. He recorded an agent chasing and tackling a Black teenager who had just exited the store. Bystanders shouted that the teen was a U.S. citizen; the agent responded brusquely while sitting atop the young man. Local reports say the teen was detained for several hours before release.

Lakeview: tear gas near homes

On Oct. 24 in Lakeview, just blocks from Wrigley Field, residents reported hearing whistles used to signal the presence of immigration agents before large vehicles arrived and tear gas drifted down the block. One homeowner said he coughed and his eyes burned as clouds of gas moved through the street. Construction workers scattered when a white SUV arrived; witnesses say agents chased several people and made multiple stops despite neighbors demanding to see warrants.

A family member detained in Old Irving Park

The next morning in Old Irving Park, construction worker Uriel Villegas said federal agents asked for papers while he and his brother were working. Villegas produced documentation, but his brother Luis did not and ran. Four agents pursued and pinned Luis to a lawn as the crowd gathered and recorded. Villegas filmed additional arrests, including one showing agents restraining a 70-year-old runner who, his running club later reported, suffered broken ribs after officers knelt on his chest. Villegas’s brother was transported out of state and is awaiting an immigration hearing in December.

Resistance and confrontation in Evanston

On Oct. 31 in Evanston, witnesses captured video of an incident that escalated after a Border Patrol vehicle was involved in a collision. As agents made arrests, bystanders recorded an agent punching a man who was already restrained on the ground. Witnesses say officers pointed pepper spray at crowds that had encircled the vehicle, and protesters repeatedly chanted "Shame!" while filming the scene.

Community reaction: The raids have prompted protests, neighborhood watch efforts and widespread recording of encounters between agents and residents. Many in predominantly Latino communities say fear has reduced everyday activity as families avoid public spaces and children miss school.

Details about some people arrested — including ages, names and immigration status — were compiled from interviews, local reporting and court records available to attorneys and advocates. Community leaders and lawyers continue to assist detainees and to document incidents captured on video.

Note: This article consolidates firsthand accounts and publicly available information to present a clear picture of the operations and their impact on Chicago neighborhoods.