October 6, 2025

Storming apartments by helicopter while families slept? That’s happening in Chicago now! Federal immigration agents have turned parts of this big city into what Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called “a war zone.” Since last month, over 1,000 immigrants have been arrested in bold raids aimed at boosting deportations. But it is not just immigrants who are caught up—some U.S. citizens, children, and legal residents have also been detained. In one dramatic raid, agents swooped down on a South Side apartment building with helicopters and unmarked trucks. They rappelled from Black Hawk helicopters, woke residents at dawn, and zip tied them - including children! One U.S. citizen, 67-year-old Rodrick Johnson, said, “I asked if they had a warrant, and I asked for a lawyer. They never brought one.” The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and local groups said it felt like a horror movie, knocking down doors and causing fear everywhere. Governor Pritzker slammed the use of “military-style tactics” on children and ordered investigations. Many local Democrats joined forces demanding an end to these harsh raids. The Department of Homeland Security claims the targets include gang members but shares little about how children and others are treated. The scary scenes don’t stop there. Agents have tossed tear gas and smoke bombs near schools, like in the Logan Square neighborhood, forcing kids to stay inside during recess. Chicago Alderperson Jessie Fuentes was even handcuffed at a hospital after asking agents for a warrant. She said, “ICE acted like an invading army in our neighborhoods.” A frightening chase ended with agents shooting a woman they claimed tried to run them over. Activists argue the agents caused the crash. This woman is a U.S. citizen and now faces charges. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defends these tough moves, saying agents’ lives are in danger. “It's an extremely dangerous situation,” she told Fox & Friends. Meanwhile, the fight moves to courts. The village of Broadview, home to an immigration center, is battling federal agents over a giant 8-foot fence blocking fire access. Protests happen daily, and investigations roll on. Lawsuits claim the fence is unsafe and illegally put up. With a city of 2.7 million and countless suburbs caught in the crossfire, Chicago’s immigration operations have lit a firestorm of anger, fear, and calls for justice. As the raids grow more aggressive, many wonder: how long will this war zone last?

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Tags: Immigration raids, Chicago, Federal agents, Jb pritzker, Tear gas, Deportations,