A sudden return of senior Border Patrol official Greg Bovino to the Chicago area has reignited tensions in a city that has already seen intense immigration enforcement.
Operation Midway Blitz and Its Legacy
Bovino first arrived in Chicago in September as part of Operation Midway Blitz, a federal campaign that has resulted in thousands of arrests and has been criticized for aggressive tactics. The operation is known for deploying chemical munitions, car chases, tear gas, pepper balls and, according to reports, shooting at least two people-killing one.
The Tuesday Return
On Tuesday, Bovino was photographed in Little Village by the Chicago Sun-Times while neighbors and activists blew whistles and shouted. Videos from The Associated Press captured unmarked cars and Border Patrol agents using pepper balls and detaining a man in the neighborhood’s business corridor. The enforcement actions were among the most visible since Bovino left Chicago in November to lead operations in New Orleans and North Carolina.
“As we said a month ago, we aren’t leaving Chicago and operations are ongoing,” Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin said.
State Response
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said he had not been notified that Bovino and additional agents were returning. He added, “I don’t know how long they’ll stay.” Pritzker also urged Bovino to testify before an Illinois commission created in October to document federal misconduct.
“I’m so proud of the people of Illinois, for doing as they have, which is to protect their neighborhoods and their neighbors, to do the right thing,” Pritzker said Tuesday. “And so, I think we’re in a much better position.”
Community and Labor Reactions
At a Tuesday news conference, activists pledged continued support for immigrant communities. They reported that 15 people-including day laborers and a tamale vendor-were detained on the city’s Southwest side and in suburban Berwyn and Cicero.
“We are tired but we are not weary,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva. “… Every single time that they come, we are going to show up.”
Victor Rodriguez II, a lifelong Little Village resident, recounted helping a woman whose husband was detained after a “caravan of masked agents began terrorizing our community,” and said Bovino engaged in “targeted political theater.”
Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, said agents questioned striking laborers on the Southwest side and accused Bovino of “coming to our picket line to chill union activity.” Reiter added, “We have seen the first act of this political theater they have brought,” and, “Now it’s the second act, and we’re ready.”
Key Takeaways
- Bovino’s return has led to a surge in enforcement actions, including pepper ball use and detentions.
- The operation that brought him to Chicago is marked by aggressive tactics and a history of violence.
- Illinois officials have demanded accountability, calling for Bovino’s testimony before a state commission.
The return of a high-profile federal agent has once again drawn attention to the balance between immigration enforcement and community rights in Chicago.
