Gregory Bovino, a senior Border Patrol commander tied to the Trump administration's enforcement tactics, returned to Chicago this week, triggering protests after agents fired pepper balls and detained people in Little Village. Operation Midway Blitz, launched in September after a fatal hit-and-run, is described by DHS as targeting criminal immigrants in sanctuary Illinois but has been criticized by city and state leaders for heavy-handed tactics and lack of notice. Governor J.B. Pritzker said state officials were not informed of the redeployment; Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned what he called warrantless intimidation in public spaces.
Border Patrol Commander Returns to Chicago as Agents Deploy Pepper Balls in Little Village, Sparking Protests
Border Patrol commander returns to Chicago as agents deploy pepper balls in immigrant neighborhood
A senior Border Patrol commander, Gregory Bovino, returned to Chicago on Tuesday, drawing protests after federal agents fired pepper balls and detained several people in the predominantly Mexican-American Little Village neighborhood.
Bovino's redeployment marks the most visible escalation of Operation Midway Blitz since early fall. The operation, launched in September after a fatal hit-and-run that federal officials say involved an undocumented immigrant, has been defended by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an effort to "target criminal illegal aliens" in sanctuary Illinois. Local leaders and immigrant advocates, however, say they were not notified about the latest deployments and have condemned the tactics.
Video recorded Tuesday shows agents moving through public spaces in Little Village, using pepper balls and detaining at least one man, according to The Associated Press. Bovino had been reassigned a month earlier to enforcement missions in New Orleans and North Carolina before returning to Chicago.
Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, right, reappeared in Chicago Dec. 16.
Responses From State and City Officials
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker told reporters he was not notified that Bovino or additional Border Patrol agents were being redeployed to Chicago and said he does not know how long the federal personnel will remain in the city. Pritzker recently signed legislation designed to create protected spaces for undocumented immigrants—limiting the use of state resources for deportation at courthouses, hospitals, college campuses and certain public buildings.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wrote on X that local officials and residents have 'learned that federal agents are once again indiscriminately targeting individuals — without warrants — and intentionally showing up in public spaces to intimidate and instill fear,' citing incidents at a Teamster picket line and a community organization in Little Village. He called the tactics 'destabilizing, wrong, and must be condemned.'
In a statement reported by The Associated Press, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, 'As we said a month ago, we aren’t leaving Chicago, and operations are ongoing.' Federal officials say the effort honors Katie Abraham, who was killed in the September hit-and-run that prompted the operation.
Community Reaction and Context
Immigrant advocates and many local officials have criticized the operation for its scope and methods, arguing it heightens fear in immigrant communities and strains local-federal relations when advance notice is not provided. Supporters of the operation emphasize public safety and say it targets individuals suspected of serious criminal activity.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
