WEST CHICAGO, Illinois — On Monday morning, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted an enforcement operation, detaining 15 individuals. The operation sparked immediate concern among residents and community leaders.

West Chicago is a suburban city located about 30 miles west of downtown Chicago in DuPage County, Illinois. According to the latest estimates, the population is approximately 25,000, with around 73% identifying as Latino or Hispanic.

Senator Karina Villa of Illinois’ 25th District, a lifelong resident of West Chicago, responded early Monday morning to reports of ICE activity after hearing that over 250 agents were expected in DuPage County.

“Shortly thereafter, my phone started ringing. It was someone saying ICE was at the police department. So I headed right over there. When I got to the police department, I was able to confirm that they were there,” Villa said.

She questioned the agents’ presence, and after they left, discreetly followed a few to see where they were headed.

“Upon arrival at the site, they were there. I approached them and asked what they were doing and whether they had the right to be there. They were on the side of the street, outside of a house. My intent was just to let people know their rights,” Villa explained. 

After the agents dispersed, Villa noticed several ICE vehicles stopped again a few blocks down. As more cars appeared to be pulled over, she ran down the street, urging residents to stay inside their homes.

“Once I was able to approach them and ask what they were doing, they ended up dispersing from that location as well. We now have over 30 volunteers out in the community, keeping watch and making sure that ICE doesn’t pick up anyone else here in West Chicago,” Villa added. 

ICE agents and sightings are increasing in Chicago and its suburbs as President Donald Trump’s plans to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago. Operation Midway Blitz is a federal immigration enforcement initiative launched on September 8 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through ICE. The operation aims to apprehend undocumented immigrants with serious criminal backgrounds in Illinois, citing local sanctuary policies, such as Chicago’s, as a contributing factor.

According to CBS News Chicago, ICE said the following in a statement: “Operation Midway Blitz is continuing. We will update you when we publicly release arrest numbers.” According to the CBS report, ICE “did not offer a comment specifically on the reports in West Chicago.”

“Videos circulating in a West Chicago Facebook group show an ICE officer smashing in a car window before pulling out the driver. Another angle shows the driver up against a black SUV as agents pat him down,” the CBS News story said. “Another video shows a man being arrested on a sidewalk. Neighbors can be heard yelling at the agents that they should be ashamed of themselves. Another video appears to be shot by someone inside their home, looking on in fear as ICE agents circle their neighborhood.”

On Tuesday morning, WGN News confirmed that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in the Chicago area.

The operation has faced criticism from local officials and immigrant advocacy groups, who argue it disproportionately targets Latino communities and raises concerns about due process and public safety.

Demian Kogan, Senior Director of Organizing at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, expressed deep concern over recent ICE actions. He stated that rather than ensuring public safety, ICE's operations increase risk for everyone in the state, and he characterized the escalating deportation efforts under Trump's agenda as violent and reminiscent of concentration camp tactics.

Telemundo reported that ICE agents were seen outside the Jel Sert factory around 8 a.m. on Monday, although the company confirmed to Telemundo Chicago that the agents did not enter its facilities.

Community members gathered outside the Jel Sert factory throughout the day to protest reported ICE activity, with the crowd peaking at around 40 people.

Wheaton resident Noah Smith heard what was happening and felt it was important to show up. Beyond attending protests, he also takes steps such as participating in an all-day training session to learn about their rights and how to intervene during ICE actions, aiming to be more informed and supportive allies.

“I think it's absolutely ridiculous that the government believes they can just come and snatch people. To me, it's one of the most evil things imaginable,” Smith said. “I hope the government knows that we're watching them. One of the main reasons we're here is to keep an eye on ICE agents, to let them know they can't take people without the world noticing and knowing. I hope the community being affected by this knows that we're watching too.”

Villa noted that while no arrests were reported outside the factory, she questioned why Donald Trump is targeting not only Chicago but also its suburbs, recognizing the strength and significance of Illinois.

“Trump has seen our strength and what Illinois represents. We have hundreds of manufacturing jobs where Latinos and immigrants work, even during COVID, when they were told they were essential. He has seen this community show up, represent, and resist. That’s why he is targeting our state, our city, and our community,” Villa said. 

Frank B., who grew up in West Chicago and declined to offer his full last name, came out to support his community after hearing about ICE raids targeting the area through social media. He believes most people in the community are hardworking and feels that targeting places like Jel Sert isn’t the right approach, as it risks causing unrest.

“People want to stand up for, some would say, La Raza, for our community. So, they gotta do what they gotta do, but there are different ways to do it,” B. said. 

Molly Beck Dean is the Director of WeGo Together for Kids, a collaborative initiative in West Chicago that unites community partners to support families with children from birth through high school.

“It breaks my heart how people in our community are scared and fearful. For our kids, there are grownups trying to protect you, and we will do whatever we have to do to keep you safe because you are loved in this community,” Dean said.

Hector Cervantes is a freelance writer based in Chicago who enjoys covering stories related to Latin culture, entertainment, and community.

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