by ▪

on October 4, 2025

S2 INTELLIGENCE REPORT

Title: Operation Midway Blitz – Sustained Chicago ICE Protests
Date: 251003-2033z
Subject: Civil Unrest Surrounding Federal Immigration Enforcement in Chicago
MagCon Threat Level: Elevated / YELLOW 3

Summary

Since September 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have conducted Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago and surrounding Illinois communities. Named in honor of Katie Abraham, a young woman murdered by an undocumented immigrant in 2024, the initiative targets undocumented immigrants with criminal histories, including those convicted of sexual assault, armed robbery, and gang-related offenses.

As of October 3, 2025, the operation has resulted in over 900 arrests, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasizing its focus on “public safety” in sanctuary jurisdictions. These enforcement actions have triggered weekly demonstrations involving hundreds of protesters, escalating into sustained civil unrest centered at the Broadview ICE Processing Facility and in downtown Chicago.

Clashes on October 3 resulted in multiple arrests after protesters resisted new barricades during Secretary Noem’s site visit. Police deployed tear gas and pepper balls amid escalating confrontations. Protester activity now involves not only blockades and sit-ins, but also rock-throwing, tire slashing, and recovery of firearms and Molotov-style devices.

The unrest blends immigrant advocacy networks, activist coalitions, student groups, faith-based communities, and political figures. The persistence, violence potential, and political sensitivity place this situation at MagCon Elevated (YELLOW 3). Funding and central coordination remain unclear, representing a critical intelligence gap.

Background on Operation Midway Blitz

Launch: Announced September 8, 2025, with 300+ ICE agents deployed.
Objectives: Detain and deport undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions, including gang members and violent offenders; reinforce enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions.
Symbolism: Named for Katie Abraham, killed in 2024 by an undocumented driver, to frame the operation as protecting U.S. citizens from “criminal aliens.”
Scope: Targeted raids in Chicago neighborhoods (Southwest Side, Humboldt Park, South Shore) and suburban counties; included enforcement at workplaces (Home Depot).
Results: Over 900 arrests by Oct 3, including two suspects accused of attempting to ram ICE vehicles.
Political Context: DHS insists the operation is “essential for national security.” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemn federal overreach and pledge local non-cooperation. Reports of children forcibly removed, detentions from backyards, and family separations have fueled charges of excessive force.

Civil Unrest Developments

Frequency and Size

Protests occur multiple times per week, sometimes daily since mid-September.
Turnout ranges 200–500, with surges above 1,000 after raids or viral incidents.
Rapid-response capacity suggests pre-organized networks via social media and hotlines.

Locations

Broadview ICE Processing Facility: Epicenter; protesters routinely block gates and vehicle exits.
Downtown Chicago: Michigan Avenue, federal buildings, and workplaces like Home Depot targeted for visibility.
Neighborhoods: Smaller rallies in immigrant-heavy areas (South Shore, Humboldt Park, Southwest Side), often outside churches, schools, and apartments hit in raids.

Tactics and Methods

Direct Action: Blockades, sit-ins, scaling gates, tire slashing, rock throwing, fireworks.
Messaging: “No Raids, No Fear,” “Abolish ICE,” “Families Belong Together.” Governor Pritzker has openly encouraged residents to film agents.
Community Outreach: Multilingual “Know Your Rights” flyers; sanctuary declarations by churches.
Legal Support: National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), ACLU-IL observers, rapid bail funds, activist deportation dashboard.

Law Enforcement Response

Federal and local police (despite official non-cooperation) have used tear gas, pepper balls, rubber bullets, and rooftop firing positions.
Arrests: 50+ protest-related since Sept 8. Notable detainees include Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss (tear gas exposure) and congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh (slammed to ground).
Recovered Weapons: ICE reported seizing at least one firearm and a suspected Molotov cocktail on Sept 26.

Political & Organizational Environment

Key Organizers

ICIRR (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights): Hotlines, training, logistics.
Coalition Against the Trump Agenda (CTA): Direct-action leadership.
Faith-Based Groups: Catholic parishes, interfaith councils; vigils at Naval Station Great Lakes.
Civil Liberties/Students: NIJC, ACLU-IL, Northwestern & UIC networks; Black immigrant advocacy.

Political Figures

Active on Frontlines: Mayor Biss, Ald. Andre Vasquez, candidate Abughazaleh.
State Leaders: Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, City Council members; all vocally oppose.
2026 Elections: Protest sites are being used as political platforms and fundraising stages.

Funding and Coordination

Sources: Local nonprofit budgets (ICIRR), national foundations (e.g., Open Society), grassroots crowdfunding.
Model: Decentralized coalition—encrypted chat apps and social media provide rapid mobilization.
Gaps: Scale of national support (United We Dream, Mijente, ACLU) unverified. Foreign influence not evidenced but cannot be dismissed without further inquiry.

Threat Assessment

Triggers for Elevation:

Sustained protests with high turnout and daily flashpoints.
Routine riot-control deployments.
Political amplification by elected officials.
Strategic disruptions: blockades, vehicle interference, weapons recovery.

Risks:

Public Safety: Gas, clashes, and projectiles risk injuring protesters, press, and bystanders.
Operational Disruption: Blockades may allow ICE targets to escape; two ramming attempts highlight direct threats.
Polarization: Widening federal–state conflict; DHS signaling possible National Guard requests.
Escalation Potential: High if detainee death, child separation, or viral police misconduct emerges.

Information Gaps:

Funding flows and national coordination remain opaque.
Political campaign involvement underexplored.
FOIA requests pending on DHS–local coordination.

Outlook

Sustained Activity: Protests expected weekly, possibly daily for the duration of the operation.
Escalation Risk: Moderate–High; tied to raid intensity and media optics.
Political Trajectory: Protests will merge with campaign rallies into 2026.
Monitoring Priorities:
- Real-time tracking of protest size and violence indicators.
- OSINT on funding streams and national NGO involvement.
- Signs of spillover into other Illinois cities or multi-state solidarity actions.

Definitions & Acronyms

ACLED – Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project
ACLU-IL – American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois
CTA – Coalition Against the Trump Agenda
DHS – Department of Homeland Security
FOIA – Freedom of Information Act
ICE – Immigration and Customs Enforcement
ICIRR – Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
MagCon – MAGNET Condition (threat tiering system: GREEN 5–RED 1)
NIJC – National Immigrant Justice Center
OSINT – Open Source Intelligence
UIC – University of Illinois Chicago

Sources

chicago ICE operation midway blitz

Civil Unrest Crime Elevated - Yellow - 3 MagCon Level MAGNET Regions National National Intel Bulletin Politics

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