Key Takeaways:

• ICE expanded its Operation At-Large from Los Angeles to Chicago this week.
• The new effort supports another local operation called Operation Midway Blitz.
• Border Patrol teams are focusing on finding and detaining individuals who are in the U.S. unlawfully.
• Chicago officials and community groups are keeping a close eye on these new immigration actions.

What Is Operation At-Large All About?

Operation At-Large is a program led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. It started in Los Angeles in August and now has reached Chicago. But what exactly is it?

This effort’s main goal is to find and detain people who are in the country without legal permission. Agents work carefully to locate individuals who may have committed crimes or ignored previous deportation orders.

Gregory Bovino, a top Border Patrol agent, is helping to lead the charge. On social media, he posted a video of vehicles heading toward the city on the Barack Obama Expressway. His message to Chicago was simple: “We’ve arrived.”

Now that Operation At-Large has landed in the Windy City, it’s teaming up with another local effort called Operation Midway Blitz. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says these programs are meant to protect the public and enforce immigration laws.

Why Did Operation At-Large Come to the Windy City?

So why would Operation At-Large move from Los Angeles to Chicago?

Officials say it’s part of a larger plan to support local immigration enforcement around the country. Chicago is one of several major cities where national agencies like ICE are boosting their presence.

The decision comes after Operation At-Large saw results in Los Angeles. There, agents located dozens of people flagged for serious crimes—some had past convictions for things like assault, robbery, and drug trafficking.

Now, DHS wants to apply that same strategy in Chicago. Agents will use both data and fieldwork to locate individuals they say pose public safety concerns. But not everyone agrees on what counts as a threat.

How Is the Chicago Community Responding?

As federal immigration agents enter Chicago, many local leaders and activist groups are keeping a close watch.

Chicago is known for its strong immigrant communities. Many residents worry these sweeps could unfairly target families. Advocates fear that even people with minor offenses—or none at all—might get caught in the crackdown.

Although federal officials say the focus is on serious criminals, history has shown that some sweeps do include others. That’s why groups in Chicago are preparing to offer legal help and spread awareness about immigrant rights.

Chicago officials have not publicly opposed the latest actions, but they are urging both calm and preparation. Several local groups are working to make sure undocumented immigrants know their rights if confronted by ICE.

What Happens During an Immigration Raid?

During an operation like At-Large, ICE officers may visit homes, workplaces, and public areas to track down certain individuals.

If a person is taken into custody, they may face deportation or removal. Some people are allowed to request a legal hearing to argue their case. Others may already have a final order of removal on record.

To complete these actions, agents often rely on prior data. That includes past arrests, court documents, or tips from the public. Still, critics say mistakes happen—and innocent people sometimes get picked up by accident.

That’s why communication is so important during these times. Communities need clear information to protect people’s safety and well-being.

How Is Operation At-Large Different in Chicago?

Unlike in Los Angeles, Operation At-Large in Chicago will work directly with Operation Midway Blitz. Together, they aim to make their efforts more effective.

Agents may use new tools, like tracking software or community reports, to locate their targets quickly. These combined operations show that ICE is not slowing down—it’s evolving its strategy to cover more ground.

Chicago’s role is key because it’s a central hub in the Midwest. Spreading similar enforcement models to other cities might be easier if this one shows results.

What This Means Moving Forward

The arrival of Operation At-Large in Chicago sends a big message: immigration enforcement is still a top issue for federal officials.

While supporters say it’s about making streets safer, critics argue it could bring fear to immigrant neighborhoods. As both sides debate, Chicago residents are preparing for more ICE activity in the weeks ahead.

Stories are already emerging from families worried about loved ones being detained. Some communities are setting up rapid response teams to document arrests and offer emergency support.

ICE says it will continue to use data to guide each action. But community leaders are calling for more transparency on how targets are chosen. They want to protect people from being treated unfairly based on race, nationality, or appearance.

Watching What Comes Next

There’s no set end date for Operation At-Large in Chicago. As long as officials see it as effective, it’s likely to continue or even expand.

In the meantime, immigrant communities are taking steps to stay informed. Many are attending workshops, reviewing legal documents, and connecting with local support networks.

For now, one thing is clear—immigration enforcement in Chicago has entered a new chapter. Everyone from city officials to ordinary families will be watching what happens next.

FAQs

What is Operation At-Large?

Operation At-Large is an ICE-led plan to find and arrest people living in the U.S. without legal papers. It also focuses on those with past criminal charges or deportation orders.

Why is Operation At-Large in Chicago now?

After seeing results in Los Angeles, ICE decided to expand the effort to major cities like Chicago. It supports an existing local program called Operation Midway Blitz.

What should I do if ICE agents knock on my door?

Experts advise not to open the door unless they show a signed warrant. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.

Can Operation At-Large affect legal immigrants or citizens?

Mostly, the operation targets people without legal status and prior criminal records. However, mistakes can happen, so everyone should know their rights and stay informed.