DHS' operation 'Midway Blitz' in the Chicago region discussed by Katie Abraham's father
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has expressed concern about potential militarized immigration enforcement without due process, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prepares to launch Operation "Midway Blitz" in the city.
The operation, aimed at removing illegal criminal aliens from the streets, has sparked controversy, with Johnson citing ICE's track record of detaining and deporting American citizens and violating the human rights of detainees.
White House border czar Tom Homan has confirmed increased resources in Chicago, but the exact details of the operation remain undisclosed. Homan also hinted that the use of National Guard troops to protect and support immigration enforcement operations could be on the table.
The DHS spokesperson for the operation, Katherine Abraham, has been vocal in the media, stating that these policies would protect and allow criminal illegal aliens to roam free on American streets. However, the name of the spokesperson was mistakenly reported as "Katie" in some media outlets.
The operation, it seems, is a response to the alleged influx of illegal aliens to Chicago and Illinois due to sanctuary policies. On Sunday, at least four people were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Chicago area.
The alleged driver of a fatal car crash in Urbana on January 19, Julio Cucul Bol, was one of those arrested. Cucul Bol, a 20-year-old from Glenview, had already been deported from the U.S. once before. The Department of Justice also charged him with possessing a false permanent resident card, possessing a false Social Security card, false use of a passport, and making a false statement on a bank application.
Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old from Glenview, tragically died in the same car crash. Her story was presented at a Congressional Oversight Committee hearing in June. Another passenger, Chloe Polzin, also died from injuries sustained in the crash the following day.
The controversy surrounding Operation "Midway Blitz" has led to a protest and march against the operation set to get underway in the Loop late Tuesday afternoon. Johnson encourages residents to visit www.Chicago.gov/KYR to stay informed on their rights.
Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's office has received no formal communication or information from the Trump Administration about the operation. Joe Abraham, whose daughter Katie was killed in the crash, felt a lack of compassion from Pritzker during a hearing and believes there is an unsustainable approach toward immigration in Illinois.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the operation is set to continue, raising questions about due process, the rights of American citizens, and the impact on local communities.
