Chicago

blue

A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Axios Chicago Weekender

Weekender

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Chicago with Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann, and Carrie Shepherd.

Axios Chicago

Standard

Chicago Alerts

Alert

Axios Chicago Partners

Axios Chicago Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Chicago Members

Membership

Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs

A meeting is scheduled on Saturday in Barrington.

News

A long-shot movement to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="split Illinois into two" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/04/illinois-counties-vote-state-split-separatist-new" data-vars-content-id="658d88ab-cafd-4b4a-84fd-d93d82c39fef" data-vars-headline="Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/04/illinois-counties-vote-state-split-separatist-new" target="_self">split Illinois into two</a> states is finding support beyond rural downstate counties and into parts of the Chicago suburbs.The latest: Saturday morning, New Illinois will hold meetings in Barrington to give updates on the push for a new state.

Chicago-area homes for sale may disappear from Zillow

A dispute over private listings means buyers may no longer see all Chicago-area homes online.

Real Estate

The company that distributes most Chicago-area home listings is cutting off <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/13/zillow-lawsuit-mred-compass-private-listings-chicago-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="7a9a3ebc-aa50-44d2-9e45-dcf6711a55ea" data-vars-headline="Chicago-area homes for sale may disappear from Zillow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/13/zillow-lawsuit-mred-compass-private-listings-chicago-housing-market" target="_self">Zillow&#x27;s</a> access to those properties.Why it matters: Homebuyers using Zillow and Trulia will soon no longer see all Chicago-area homes for sale, and sellers won&#x27;t be able to rely on those sites to get their listing in front of buyers.

Chicago passes tipped minimum wage compromise

The measure sets up different rules for small and large restaurants.

Politics

After months of back-and-forth, alders voted Wednesday to slow scheduled increases in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tipped minimum wage." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/27/chicago-tipped-workers-wage-tip-tax-debate" data-vars-content-id="69b1e53d-4745-4096-a602-275e8943a5cb" data-vars-headline="Chicago passes tipped minimum wage compromise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/27/chicago-tipped-workers-wage-tip-tax-debate" target="_self">tipped minimum wage.</a>Why it matters: The fight over tipped wages has become one of the city&#x27;s most contentious debates, pitting worker advocates against restaurant owners worried about rising labor costs.

Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness

A new report says Americans — especially young people — are talking to their neighbors less and less.

Culture

Over my many years in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" target="_self">Chicago</a>, it has been my neighbors who made me feel most at home. Why it matters: A new report says Americans — especially younger people — are talking to their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighbors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" target="_self">neighbors</a> less and less. Honestly? That bums me out.

Judge denies ask for Midway Blitz special prosecutor

The state's attorney says she will consider all cases referred to her office.

Public Safety

A Cook County judge on Thursday rejected a request for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="special prosecutor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/11/special-prosecutor-federal-operation-midway-blitz-oneill-burke-delay-may-21" data-vars-content-id="41f0f427-b2ab-4272-a5ab-ab5fc6e8f0ff" data-vars-headline="Judge denies ask for Midway Blitz special prosecutor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/11/special-prosecutor-federal-operation-midway-blitz-oneill-burke-delay-may-21" target="_self">special prosecutor</a> to tackle complaints against federal agents tied to Operation Midway Blitz.Why it matters: Circuit Court Judge Erica Reddick&#x27;s ruling is a blow to 415 activists, clergy, media, and elected officials who petitioned for the change, saying Cook County State&#x27;s Attorney Eileen O&#x27;Neill Burke &quot;abdicated her statutory duty&quot; by, so far, not prosecuting any agents for misconduct in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the immigration operation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" data-vars-content-id="41f0f427-b2ab-4272-a5ab-ab5fc6e8f0ff" data-vars-headline="Judge denies ask for Midway Blitz special prosecutor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" target="_self">the immigration operation</a>.Catch up quick: Last fall federal immigration agents flooded the city, leading to multiple allegations of illegal use of force and civil rights violations but so far, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="few investigations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/06/illinois-police-to-investigate-shooting-by-ice" data-vars-content-id="41f0f427-b2ab-4272-a5ab-ab5fc6e8f0ff" data-vars-headline="Judge denies ask for Midway Blitz special prosecutor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/06/illinois-police-to-investigate-shooting-by-ice" target="_self">few investigations</a>.Yes, but: O&#x27;Neill Burke says — and Reddick agrees — that the state&#x27;s attorney can&#x27;t legally initiate an investigation and must wait for law enforcement to refer a case to her office.<ul><li>Reddick further said the petitioners failed to show that O&#x27;Neill Burke has a conflict of interest or that her office won&#x27;t prosecute any future cases.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Today&#x27;s ruling affirms &quot;that the state&#x27;s attorney&#x27;s office has not abrogated our duty and the facts that gave rise to this petition are not based on the law,&quot; O&#x27;Neill Burke said triumphantly outside the courtroom.<ul><li>She did, however, add that anyone who &quot;believes in constitutional government was repulsed by ICE behavior during their Operation Midway Blitz&quot; and that she remains open to considering all cases referred to her.</li></ul><figure><img alt="man in suit in front of cameras" height="2976" id="19c13ed4-a04a-4d06-be98-def68416b852" src="https://images.axios.com/zWlmYrMGl6i-1W5rjQ_QMTKCJek=/2026/05/21/1779394656805.jpeg" width="4953"/><figcaption>Loevy &amp; Loevy attorney Locke Bowman Thursday in Cook County Court. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>The other side: &quot;The path of accountability does not end here,&quot; attorney for the petitioners, Locke Bowman, said outside the courtroom. He says he&#x27;ll be helping Chicagoans bring complaints to police for investigation that can then be referred to O&#x27;Neill-Burke.Between the lines: The ruling portends a longer road to prosecutions, which frustrated former mayor and founder of the ICE Accountability Project Lori Lightfoot. She said in a Thursday statement: <ul><li>&quot;In Minnesota, Hennepin County authorities moved from incident to criminal charges against federal agents within months. Here in Cook County, eight months later, the public is still waiting to see who is leading the broader accountability effort.&quot; </li></ul>The intrigue: Axios has repeatedly asked Chicago police if and how they are investigating complaints filed against federal agents involved in the operation.<ul><li>We&#x27;ve received no response.</li></ul>

Judge delays decision on special prosecutor in Operation Midway Blitz cases

The decision was delayed by new evidence from the Illinois Accountability Commission.

Immigration

A judge is delaying a decision on whether to appoint a special prosecutor to handle alleged crimes by federal agents during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Operation Midway Blitz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" data-vars-content-id="80034f91-b8d2-43cf-bbaa-75a370a0dfc8" data-vars-headline="Judge delays decision on special prosecutor in Operation Midway Blitz cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" target="_self">Operation Midway Blitz</a> after petitioners submitted new evidence last week.Why it matters: This latest delay highlights continued disagreement between local progressives and Cook County State&#x27;s Attorney Eileen O&#x27;Neill Burke&#x27;s office on the issue.<ul><li>But it also illustrates the potential power of the recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Illinois Accountability Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/23/illinois-accountability-commission-federal-force-ice" data-vars-content-id="80034f91-b8d2-43cf-bbaa-75a370a0dfc8" data-vars-headline="Judge delays decision on special prosecutor in Operation Midway Blitz cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/23/illinois-accountability-commission-federal-force-ice" target="_self">Illinois Accountability Commission</a> (IAC) report, documenting multiple alleged crimes by agents across the Chicago area.</li></ul>Catch up quick: More than 90 elected officials, along with organizers and clergy, filed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a March petition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.loevy.com/press-release-call-for-special-prosecutor-for-dhs-crimes/" data-vars-content-id="80034f91-b8d2-43cf-bbaa-75a370a0dfc8" data-vars-headline="Judge delays decision on special prosecutor in Operation Midway Blitz cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.loevy.com/press-release-call-for-special-prosecutor-for-dhs-crimes/" target="_blank">a March petition</a> asking Judge Erica Reddick to appoint a special prosecutor, instead of O&#x27;Neill Burke, to handle Operation Midway Blitz cases.<ul><li>Last month, Reddick <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heard arguments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXh6py7iUPD/" data-vars-content-id="80034f91-b8d2-43cf-bbaa-75a370a0dfc8" data-vars-headline="Judge delays decision on special prosecutor in Operation Midway Blitz cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXh6py7iUPD/" target="_blank">heard arguments</a> and said she&#x27;d rule on May 11.</li><li>But last Wednesday, petitioners filed new evidence <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="based on the IAC report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/29/chicago-officials-mull-midway-blitz-investigations" data-vars-content-id="80034f91-b8d2-43cf-bbaa-75a370a0dfc8" data-vars-headline="Judge delays decision on special prosecutor in Operation Midway Blitz cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/29/chicago-officials-mull-midway-blitz-investigations" target="_self">based on the IAC report</a> and the state&#x27;s attorney filed a response.</li><li>Given the new evidence and need for a follow-up response, Reddick has delayed her final ruling.</li></ul>Between the lines: The IAC report is proving influential on multiple fronts.<ul><li>Evidence from the report, last week, prompted<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" a &quot;use of force&quot; investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/06/illinois-police-to-investigate-shooting-by-ice" data-vars-content-id="80034f91-b8d2-43cf-bbaa-75a370a0dfc8" data-vars-headline="Judge delays decision on special prosecutor in Operation Midway Blitz cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/06/illinois-police-to-investigate-shooting-by-ice" target="_self"> a &quot;use of force&quot; investigation</a> by Illinois State Police on the fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas González, which the State&#x27;s Attorney&#x27;s office is helping investigate and could ultimately prosecute. </li></ul>Yes, but: That cooperation may not be enough for Judge Reddick, who on Monday asked why the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" State&#x27;s Attorney&#x27;s written protocol " data-vars-click-url="https://www.cookcountystatesattorney.org/news/cook-county-states-attorneys-office-implements-charging-protocol-use-force-incidents-involving" data-vars-content-id="80034f91-b8d2-43cf-bbaa-75a370a0dfc8" data-vars-headline="Judge delays decision on special prosecutor in Operation Midway Blitz cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cookcountystatesattorney.org/news/cook-county-states-attorneys-office-implements-charging-protocol-use-force-incidents-involving" target="_blank"> State&#x27;s Attorney&#x27;s written protocol </a>singles out &quot;use of force&quot; crimes for potential prosecution and omits &quot;conspiracy or perjury.&quot;What&#x27;s next: The petitioners are set to present a final response by Friday and Reddick is scheduled to announce her decision on May 21.

Illinois police to investigate shooting by ICE

The probe of ICE activity is the most high profile yet by local law enforcement.

Nearly eight months after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Silverio Villegas-González" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/14/illinois-transparent-probe-ice-shooting-franklin-park" data-vars-content-id="44984871-cf4d-47fa-b905-7da6eebd5b8a" data-vars-headline="Illinois police to investigate shooting by ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/14/illinois-transparent-probe-ice-shooting-franklin-park" target="_self">Silverio Villegas-González</a> in Franklin Park, local law enforcement is launching its first investigation into the incident.Why it matters: The case marks the most prominent law enforcement probe yet into ICE agent actions during Operation Midway Blitz, something <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="residents have long demanded" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" data-vars-content-id="44984871-cf4d-47fa-b905-7da6eebd5b8a" data-vars-headline="Illinois police to investigate shooting by ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" target="_self">residents have long demanded</a>, even as state and local officials argued it was nearly impossible given the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broad immunity" data-vars-click-url="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artVI-C2-1/ALDE_00013395/" data-vars-content-id="44984871-cf4d-47fa-b905-7da6eebd5b8a" data-vars-headline="Illinois police to investigate shooting by ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artVI-C2-1/ALDE_00013395/" target="_blank">broad immunity</a> granted to federal agents on the job.Zoom in: The investigation teams up Franklin Park police with Illinois State Police and the Cook County State&#x27;s Attorney&#x27;s Office, which has long resisted calls for mass investigations into immigration agents&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="actions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" data-vars-content-id="44984871-cf4d-47fa-b905-7da6eebd5b8a" data-vars-headline="Illinois police to investigate shooting by ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" target="_self">actions</a>.Between the lines: The probe follows the release last week of the Illinois Accountability Commission&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="final report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/29/chicago-officials-mull-midway-blitz-investigations" data-vars-content-id="44984871-cf4d-47fa-b905-7da6eebd5b8a" data-vars-headline="Illinois police to investigate shooting by ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/29/chicago-officials-mull-midway-blitz-investigations" target="_self">final report</a>, detailing, with new evidence, multiple violations by federal agents and contradictions between DHS statements and bodycam footage.<ul><li>On Thursday, commissioners handed local law enforcement agencies complete dossiers on multiple alleged crimes, seemingly tailor-made to launch investigations.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;The Franklin Park Police Department requested the [ISP] Public Integrity Task Force to investigate the shooting,&quot; an ISP spokesperson tells Axios. The task force &quot;has begun the initial investigation.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;When complete, the case will be turned over to the Cook County State&#x27;s Attorney&#x27;s Office.&quot;</li><li>In the meantime, the CCSAO tells Axios it can support the force by subpoenaing witnesses for grand jury testimony and requesting evidence from the FBI, the only entity that has investigated the shooting so far.</li></ul>Yes, but: Prosecuting federal agents with broad immunity presents an uphill battle. And bringing a weak case risks losing the one bite at this apple that local prosecutors may get.<ul><li>Under the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Justice is widely expected to try to take over any prosecutions initiated on the local level.</li><li>Still, lawyers for a coalition pushing for more aggressive investigations say that a bigger risk lies in not prosecuting at all.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Cook County Circuit Judge Erica Reddick&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expected May 11 decision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXh6py7iUPD/" data-vars-content-id="44984871-cf4d-47fa-b905-7da6eebd5b8a" data-vars-headline="Illinois police to investigate shooting by ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXh6py7iUPD/" target="_blank">expected May 11 decision</a> on replacing the CCSAO with a special prosecutor for cases regarding agent conduct during Midway Blitz.<ul><li>If Reddick rules in favor of replacing the CCSAO, it could render CCSAO&#x27;s involvement in the case moot.</li></ul>

Chicago May Day protest organizers expect big turnout for rally and march

Demonstrators will converge on downtown Friday as organizers call for an economic blackout.

Protesters are expected to gather Friday in Union Park before marching downtown as part of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="May Day&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/01/photos-chicagos-may-day-protest-thousands-trump-pritzker-gates" data-vars-content-id="ab6fa0d2-dfd2-4e17-9f2c-c14abf8f6248" data-vars-headline="Chicago May Day protest organizers expect big turnout for rally and march" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/01/photos-chicagos-may-day-protest-thousands-trump-pritzker-gates" target="_self">May Day&#x27;s</a> &quot;Workers Over Billionaires&quot; boycott, which calls on Chicagoans to avoid shopping, working and attending school.The latest: The protest begins with a 1pm rally in Union Park, with demonstrators planning to march east to Daley Plaza shortly after.

Chicago officials mull Midway Blitz investigations

State, federal, local and county officials differ on how to proceed on a special prosecutor and more.

Federal agents executed sweeping raids across Chicago under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Operation Midway Blitz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" data-vars-content-id="efc35963-73ef-4d9a-aa0a-c5390718852a" data-vars-headline="Chicago officials mull Midway Blitz investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" target="_self">Operation Midway Blitz</a> six months ago — but officials are still trying to piece together what happened and how to deal with it.

Arrest in Loyola killing fuels sanctuary debate

A suspect's arrest is intensifying debate over state and local immigration policies.

The arrest of a Venezuelan immigrant for last week&#x27;s killing of Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman is reigniting debate over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sanctuary policies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/03/sanctuary-city-chicago-immigration-house-hearing" data-vars-content-id="4d8ad6d7-1b52-4621-b28b-5bae3f120d64" data-vars-headline="Arrest in Loyola killing fuels sanctuary debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/03/sanctuary-city-chicago-immigration-house-hearing" target="_self">sanctuary policies</a> in Chicago and Illinois.Backstory: Chicago police on Sunday announced the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect, identified by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Department of Homeland Security" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/03/22/ice-asks-governor-pritzker-and-chicago-sanctuary-politicians-not-release-criminal" data-vars-content-id="4d8ad6d7-1b52-4621-b28b-5bae3f120d64" data-vars-headline="Arrest in Loyola killing fuels sanctuary debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/03/22/ice-asks-governor-pritzker-and-chicago-sanctuary-politicians-not-release-criminal" target="_blank">Department of Homeland Security</a> as Jose Medina.

How Chicago's preparing for the next DHS surge

Accountability commissions, protocols for prosecuting DHS agents, and community response teams.

When Border Patrol commander <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greg Bovino" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/chicago-border-protection-judge-daily-bovino" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/chicago-border-protection-judge-daily-bovino" target="_self">Greg Bovino</a> left Chicago last fall, immigration officials <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warned the Sun-Times " data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/03/10/chicago-immigration-deport-trump-noem-bovino-midway-blitz" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/03/10/chicago-immigration-deport-trump-noem-bovino-midway-blitz" target="_blank">warned the Sun-Times </a>they&#x27;d return in March with a much bigger force.Why it matters: Operation Midway Blitz triggered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of complaints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/ice-release-300-detained-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/ice-release-300-detained-immigrants" target="_self">hundreds of complaints</a> alleging civil, criminal and constitutional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" target="_self">violations</a> by immigration agents — complaints <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local officials " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/23/illinois-accountability-commission-federal-force-ice" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/23/illinois-accountability-commission-federal-force-ice" target="_self">local officials </a>are still<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" reviewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/lightfoot-ice-accountability-investigations" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/lightfoot-ice-accountability-investigations" target="_self"> reviewing</a>.<ul><li>A new surge could restart the process, once again disrupting schools, businesses, courts and immigrant communities across the area.</li></ul>State of play: A lot has changed since those warnings of a new spring surge.<ul><li>President Trump&#x27;s approval rating on immigration <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plummeted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/16/trump-polling-immigration-approval-rating-ice-noem" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/16/trump-polling-immigration-approval-rating-ice-noem" target="_self">plummeted</a> after federal agents fatally shot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renee Good" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" target="_self">Renee Good</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alex Pretti" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/24/minneapolis-ice-shooting-id" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/24/minneapolis-ice-shooting-id" target="_self">Alex Pretti</a> in Minneapolis.</li><li>Trump has also removed three top immigration officials — Bovino, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin — from their jobs.</li></ul>The questions: Given these shifts, will another operation really return to Chicago? And how have local leaders prepared for the possibility?The short answer: Officials aren&#x27;t commenting on a potential new surge.<ul><li>&quot;Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country, including in Chicago. We do not discuss future or potential operations,&quot; DHS deputy assistant secretary Lauren Bis told Axios.</li><li>&quot;The Trump Administration does not communicate when and where they deploy masked agents to American communities,&quot; Gov. JB Pritzker&#x27;s office told Axios, adding they learned about Midway Blitz through social media and a press release.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Moves to prepare for a surge:</h2>Gov. Pritzker: &quot;I formed the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Illinois Accountability Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://ilac.illinois.gov/" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ilac.illinois.gov/" target="_blank">Illinois Accountability Commission</a> to further expose how Trump militarized our neighborhoods, attacked our families and businesses, and violated fundamental American rights. We will do everything in our power to hold them accountable and keep them out of Illinois.&quot;Cook County States Attorney Eileen O&#x27;Neill Burke: &quot;[We developed] a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="robust protocol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cookcountystatesattorney.org/news/cook-county-states-attorneys-office-implements-charging-protocol-use-force-incidents-involving" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cookcountystatesattorney.org/news/cook-county-states-attorneys-office-implements-charging-protocol-use-force-incidents-involving" target="_blank">robust protocol</a> that paves the way for our office to move forward with prosecuting ICE officers for on-duty conduct, in accordance with Illinois law.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;[It&#x27;s] been adopted by every prosecutor in the state, including the Attorney General, and serves as a model during these unprecedented times. No one is above the law — not ICE officers, and not prosecutors.&quot;</li></ul>Mayor Brandon Johnson: &quot;While we cannot speculate on Trump&#x27;s intentions, we are engaged in constant preparation across departments ahead of potential re-escalation in Chicago. This includes continuing to disseminate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Know Your Rights information" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/mayor/Office%20of%20New%20Americans/PDFs/ShortenedResourceGuide-English.pdf" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/mayor/Office%20of%20New%20Americans/PDFs/ShortenedResourceGuide-English.pdf" target="_blank">Know Your Rights information</a> and Family Preparedness resources while working with CPD to implement the necessary procedures to chart the path for accountability if federal agents break the law in our city.&quot;Ald. Andre Vasquez: &quot;I do have concerns about DHS returning in March, and believe the best thing we can do is support the rapid responder efforts.&quot; Vasquez is the chair of the City Council&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Immigrant and Refugee Rights committee" data-vars-click-url="https://40thward.org/city-council/protecting-immigrant-rights-chicago/" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://40thward.org/city-council/protecting-immigrant-rights-chicago/" target="_blank">Immigrant and Refugee Rights committee</a>.<ul><li>&quot;We have also submitted over a dozen new ordinances to get better reporting and accountability from the city in case there are more ICE incidents and interactions with city departments, including CPD.&quot;</li></ul>Meanwhile, in Springfield, state senators are pushing for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=2820&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;SessionID=114&amp;GA=104" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=2820&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;SessionID=114&amp;GA=104" target="_blank">bill</a> to block Illinois law enforcement agencies from hiring anyone hired as an immigration officer by ICE between January 2025 and January 2029.The latest: A coalition of lawyers, community groups and religious leaders is pushing this week to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appoint a special prosecutor " data-vars-click-url="https://abc7chicago.com/post/groups-petition-special-prosecutor-investigate-actions-federal-agents-during-operation-midway-blitz/18698818/" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc7chicago.com/post/groups-petition-special-prosecutor-investigate-actions-federal-agents-during-operation-midway-blitz/18698818/" target="_blank">appoint a special prosecutor </a>to investigate DHS actions during Midway Blitz. O&#x27;Neill Burke vows to &quot;strenuously oppose&quot; it, saying it would make her prosecutions more difficult.Editors note: This story has been updated with information about a push to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate DHS actions.

Lincoln Park High School students protest ICE

The school joins others in a district that has been hit hard by immigration enforcement surges.

Hundreds of Lincoln Park High School students left class early Friday to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="protest ICE" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/16/chicago-ice-protests-immigration-body-cameras" data-vars-content-id="51e6172a-b1e4-4aa3-a1b3-3d76eaae4304" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park High School students protest ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/16/chicago-ice-protests-immigration-body-cameras" target="_self">protest ICE</a>, joining a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing wave " data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/02/hundreds-of-students-protest-federal-immigration-crackdown-with-a-school-walk-out-we-are-fed-up/" data-vars-content-id="51e6172a-b1e4-4aa3-a1b3-3d76eaae4304" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park High School students protest ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/02/hundreds-of-students-protest-federal-immigration-crackdown-with-a-school-walk-out-we-are-fed-up/" target="_blank">growing wave </a>of Chicago-area students speaking out against federal immigration tactics.Why it matters: The protests underscore how profoundly stepped up ICE raids over the last year have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affected Chicago Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2025/12/02/as-immigration-agents-swept-chicago-this-fall-communities-stepped-in-to-get-kids-to-school-safely" data-vars-content-id="51e6172a-b1e4-4aa3-a1b3-3d76eaae4304" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park High School students protest ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2025/12/02/as-immigration-agents-swept-chicago-this-fall-communities-stepped-in-to-get-kids-to-school-safely" target="_blank">affected Chicago Public Schools</a>. <ul><li>They also suggest that the next generation of Chicago voters cares deeply about the issue. Several 18 year olds at the rally vowed make their voices heard at the ballot box this year. </li></ul><figure><img alt="Crowd of young protesters holding signs with messages like &quot;ICE OUT&quot; and &quot;Skipping a lesson 2 teach you one&quot; outside a brick building with bay windows on a cloudy day." height="3418" id="72fba85b-4e55-41ce-a4b5-895cf606a2e8" src="https://images.axios.com/LNcvvAZL1G3vnr4hQ1nEIOVLOEw=/2026/02/27/1772231423049.jpeg" width="4687"/><figcaption>Lincoln Park High School students march down Lincoln Avenue Friday. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>Context: The march was organized by the LPHS chapter of Civic Leaders of America, which organized its yearly student rally around &quot;No Kings&quot; last year and chose immigration as its focus this year. <ul><li>While immigration actions have subsided in recent months, some federal officials have vowed to remount a local surge in March. </li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;No one should have to fear walking out their homes or face discrimination for the color of their skin,&quot; LPHS senior London Robison tells Axios. &quot;No one is illegal on stolen land.&quot; <ul><li>&quot;I think it&#x27;s really important to use our voices to create opportunities and make the world a better place for everybody,&quot; junior Sophie Lejeune told Axios. &quot;We all have to work together to show those who fear they might be taken away that we&#x27;re with them.&quot;</li></ul><figure><img alt="Group of protesters holding signs like &quot;ICE OUT! Free Our ICE&quot; and police officers in black uniforms with gear, standing on dry grass with city buildings and leafless trees in background." height="2020" id="394297ae-f10b-479d-acce-1a2e5cb1df35" src="https://images.axios.com/wGPMAG9TlRDeOL84SL-Ezn8df9M=/2026/02/27/1772231609008.jpeg" width="2796"/><figcaption>A man in a trench coat confronts student protesters in Lincoln Park on Friday. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>What happened: The large procession marched with a police escort down Lincoln Avenue to Armitage and over to Clark, where they gave speeches on the steps of the former Academy of Sciences building in Lincoln Park. <ul><li>Near the end of the rally, a man in a trench coat approached the teens, shouting obscenities and insisting they had been &quot;fed lies.&quot; </li><li>Police prevented a physical confrontation by moving the man away from the area. </li></ul>&quot;He definitely had the right [to shout at us],&quot; LPHS junior Isabella Scaffai told Axios, &quot;but it highlighted the importance of numbers and staying peaceful so we don&#x27;t appear to be aggressors.&quot; What&#x27;s next: Scaffai says organizers hope to build on the momentum and join forces with other local high schools to &quot;empower young people throughout CPS.&quot;

Council punts on ICE-CPD accountability vote

The ordinance could get another vote next month.

Some progressive alders were shocked Wednesday when a measure to let the Civilian Office of Police Accountability investigate claims of illegal cooperation between police and immigration agents got blocked by an alder who had voted for it in committee.Why it matters: The ordinance&#x27;s most vocal supporters — Alds. Jessie Fuentes, Andre Vasquez and Anthony Quezada — say it would help provide a layer of accountability around future ICE surges in Chicago that could come as early as next month.

Judge allows clergy into Chicago-area immigration facility on Ash Wednesday

A federal ruling will allow clergy back into the immigration facility on Ash Wednesday.

Religion

Clergy are expected to enter the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broadview immigration facility" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44180286.56/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2NoaWNhZ28vMjAyNS8xMS8wNC9qdWRnZS1pY2UtZmFjaWxpdHktYnJvYWR2aWV3LXJlZm9ybXM_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/647f5d356ef6125956d9ec60B91a58c06" data-vars-content-id="1a9f32df-0d0b-41b0-bf5a-d423ee3dba6a" data-vars-headline="Judge allows clergy into Chicago-area immigration facility on Ash Wednesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44180286.56/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2NoaWNhZ28vMjAyNS8xMS8wNC9qdWRnZS1pY2UtZmFjaWxpdHktYnJvYWR2aWV3LXJlZm9ybXM_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/647f5d356ef6125956d9ec60B91a58c06" target="_self">Broadview immigration facility</a> today for the first time in months after a federal judge ordered DHS to let them in.Why it matters: Religious leaders have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="been on the front lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/trump-immigration-faith-leaders-resist" data-vars-content-id="1a9f32df-0d0b-41b0-bf5a-d423ee3dba6a" data-vars-headline="Judge allows clergy into Chicago-area immigration facility on Ash Wednesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/trump-immigration-faith-leaders-resist" target="_self">been on the front lines</a> in Chicago, Minneapolis and other cities in demanding justice for immigrants during the Trump administration&#x27;s aggressive enforcement.<ul><li>Clergy have long had a place at facilities like Broadview to offer religious comfort to immigrants.</li></ul>