President Donald Trump has recently highlighted the success of the federal crackdown known as “Operation Midway Blitz” in reducing violent crime in Chicago. According to the President’s update on Truth Social, shootings have decreased by 35%, robberies by 41%, and carjackings by nearly 50% since the operation began a few weeks ago. Trump credited the Department of Homeland Security-led effort for driving down crime rates in the Windy City.
Despite facing resistance from Chicago and Illinois Radical Democrat leadership, the operation has shown significant progress. The latest update from the President marks the first public update since late October, when DHS confirmed nine arrests, including three illegal immigrants, following a violent day during the operation.
During coordinated raids in the Chicago suburbs of Cicero and Glendale Heights, DHS agents encountered assaults and vehicle rammings. DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin described it as “one of the most violent days we’ve had,” with one agent injured and several patrol units damaged. The raids targeted violent offenders and previously deported foreign nationals with criminal records.
The operation, named after Katie Abraham, a Chicago-area resident killed in a hit-and-run involving a suspected illegal immigrant, is part of a broader DHS initiative to address criminal illegal aliens in sanctuary Illinois. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that suspects who attacked agents will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The President’s update reignited tensions with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who have opposed large-scale immigration raids in the past. Trump accused them of obstructing enforcement and encouraging violent resistance against ICE officers.
The next phase of “Midway Blitz” will involve a full surge of federal agents in Chicago and Memphis. Trump expressed confidence that as more assets are deployed, crime rates will continue to drop.
The Illinois governor’s office and the Chicago mayor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The White House directed inquiries back to the President’s comments on Truth Social. Fox News Digital’s Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.
