On Mexican Independence Day, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem oversaw an early morning ICE raid in Elgin, Illinois, that resulted in the detention of four people — two of whom turned out to be U.S. citizens.
Agents in camouflage gear, backed by military helicopters, stormed the home around 5:30 a.m., breaking down the front door. Noem later shared footage of the operation on social media, claiming those taken into custody were violent criminals with charges like assault and DUI.
However, officials later released two men who proved they were U.S. citizens. One of them told reporters:
“I’m just glad I had my wallet, my ID, and I cooperated.”
The raid was part of DHS’ “Midway Blitz” operation, which spans all of Illinois and parts of Indiana, involving ICE, U.S. Marshals, the DEA, and ATF. Illinois officials, including Gov. JB Pritzker, said they were not informed ahead of time.
“This is dangerous, wrong, unconstitutional. It’s un-American,” Pritzker said.
Protests erupt in Melrose Park and Chicago
As ICE raids spread across Chicagoland, protesters gathered in Melrose Park to denounce immigration enforcement actions on Mexican Independence Day. Marchers carried Latin American flags, with some expressing fear over celebrating their heritage amid raids.
“We are in fear that we cannot celebrate our motherland in the country that I call home today,” said Nancy Salgado of the West Suburban Action Project.
Activists also demanded transparency in the fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez in Franklin Park last week. ICE said Villegas-Gonzalez, an undocumented immigrant with a criminal record, struck and dragged an officer with his car before being fatally shot.
Lawmakers push back
Illinois state Sen. Cristina Castro blasted Noem’s presence:
“She can go to hell. Don’t come to my community. Go to hell.”
Deputy Majority Leader Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) added,
“When the most powerful court in the nation says racial profiling is OK… we know we have gone backwards.”
Growing detentions
According to Rep. Lauren Underwood, ICE has taken about 250 people from the Chicago area into custody since Sept. 6, transferring many to detention centers in Indiana and Wisconsin.
Latino leaders urged vulnerable residents to stay home and know their rights.
“We ask all undocumented residents, or anyone who is vulnerable, to stay home as much as you can, and to know your rights,” said Berto Aguayo of the Latino Leadership Council.
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