Randros 
Tensions are rising in Cook County as local commissioners prepare to publicly denounce the aggressive actions of federal immigration agents during recent raids in the Chicago region.
The move highlights growing friction between local authorities and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over immigration enforcement strategies.
A press conference was scheduled at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Cook County Administration Building, where officials voiced their opposition to the raids that took place in Elgin and Chicago just a day earlier.
This response comes amid a broader operation dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz,” which has drawn sharp criticism from community leaders and elected representatives.
On Tuesday morning, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem took to social media to share videos of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests in Elgin, emphasizing the department’s unwavering commitment to public safety.
“Just this morning, DHS took violent offenders off the streets with arrest for assault, DUI, and felony stalking,” Noem posted, underscoring the focus on individuals with criminal histories.
Footage captured around 5 a.m. depicts men in handcuffs being escorted from a residence.
WGN News arrived at the scene shortly afterward, reporting that the front door had been forcibly removed from its hinges during the operation.
Key Arrest
Among those detained was 37-year-old Aldo Salazar Bahena, described by ICE officials as an alleged gang member.
Bahena had been convicted of murder in 2005, according to DHS spokespeople.
Under Illinois law, which bars prison officials from complying with ICE detainer requests, Bahena was released from Stateville Prison in Crest Hill on Friday.
However, he was rearrested on Monday as part of the ongoing enforcement efforts.
This case exemplifies the challenges posed by “sanctuary” policies in Illinois, where local jurisdictions limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, potentially allowing individuals with serious criminal records to be released back into communities before ICE can intervene.
Additional Raids
The enforcement actions extended beyond Elgin into Chicago’s South Side.
In the Chatham neighborhood, witnesses reported ICE agents approaching day laborers gathered outside a Home Depot store.
One individual was seen attempting to evade the agents during the encounter.
Details on the exact number of arrests from Monday and Tuesday remain unclear, as federal officials have not released comprehensive figures for these specific days.
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) has provided insight into the scale of the operation, stating that ICE has apprehended approximately 250 individuals since the launch of Operation Midway Blitz earlier this month.
The initiative appears to prioritize the removal of non-citizens with criminal convictions or outstanding warrants.
Underwood’s comments reflect concerns from advocates who argue that such raids disrupt communities, instill fear among immigrants, and strain local resources without addressing root causes of immigration challenges.
Local Backlash and National Implications
The press conference by Cook County commissioners signals a unified front against what they view as overreach by federal agents.
Critics contend that forcible entries and public detentions, like those seen in Elgin and Chatham, erode trust in law enforcement and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
As debates over immigration policy intensify nationwide, incidents like these in the Chicago area could influence broader discussions on sanctuary cities, detainer compliance, and the balance between public safety and civil rights.
Cook County, home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the U.S., has long been a focal point for such conflicts.
Officials urge residents affected by the raids to seek legal assistance and report any instances of misconduct by federal agents.
Also Read: GOP Members Now Believe Trump Is Named First In The Epstein Files
For customer support or to report typos and corrections please get in contact via media@franknez.com.
About The Author
Frank Nez 
