Federal Immigration Presence in Chicago Will Continue, Patrol Chief Confirms

(CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA) — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said its intensified federal immigration enforcement presence in Chicago, known as Operation Midway Blitz, will continue into 2026, extending a multi-agency effort that has already produced thousands of arrests since September.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Dec. 16, 2025, that the federal government is “not leaving Chicago” and that “operations are ongoing.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, in a Dec. 19 year-end statement, said the department will keep pursuing enforcement priorities into the new year. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who helped launch the Chicago push, returned to the city in mid-December after a temporary November departure, according to officials.

The announcement matters for noncitizens living in Chicago and nearby suburbs. It also affects families with pending USCIS benefits. It can increase the risk of arrest, detention, and missed USCIS deadlines. It may also raise fears about attending biometrics appointments and interviews.

DHS reports Operation Midway Blitz has led to more than 4,500 arrests in Chicago and surrounding areas since September 2025. Federal officials said about 200–250 Border Patrol agents have been active in the city. Internal DHS sources suggested the number could rise significantly by March 2026.

A separate legal fight continued this week. On Dec. 24, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an administration effort involving federalized National Guard troops in Chicago. That ruling did not halt CBP or ICE operations. On Dec. 31, 2025, the Department of Justice sued Illinois over a new state law allowing civil suits against federal agents, citing Supremacy Clause concerns.

Impact on USCIS applicants and families

USCIS benefits continue during enforcement surges, but your risk profile can change. Many applicants worry that “any contact” with the government will trigger enforcement. In practice, USCIS and ICE are separate components under DHS, but information can be shared in certain situations.

If you have a pending case, the biggest practical risk is missing notices. USCIS deadlines move fast, especially after an RFE or interview notice. USPS delivery issues and frequent moves can cause missed mail.

⚠️ Common Mistake: Not updating your address within 10 days. File Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card at uscis.gov to avoid missed biometrics or interview notices.

Who may be most affected

People who may face higher enforcement risk include:

1. People with prior removal orders or pending removal proceedings.
2. People with criminal arrests or convictions, including older cases.
3. People with prior immigration violations, including reentry issues.
4. People who have not filed for any benefit and have no current lawful status.

Community leaders have reported fear-driven absences from work, school, and appointments. That can directly harm pending filings. Missing a USCIS appointment can lead to denial, unless you promptly reschedule and document good cause.

Practical steps if you have a USCIS case pending

Follow these steps to protect your case while Operation Midway Blitz continues:

1. Confirm your case status online. Use a USCIS online account at my.uscis.gov.
2. Open every USCIS notice immediately. Watch for biometrics, RFE, and interview letters.
3. Calendar every deadline. RFEs often allow limited response time.
4. Attend biometrics and interviews. Reschedule only if you have a serious conflict.
5. Keep copies of everything. Keep forms, receipts, and delivery confirmations.

✅ Pro Tip: Bring printed proof of your pending application to appointments. Include I-797 receipt notices and a government-issued ID.

Common forms families may be filing right now

The enforcement news does not change eligibility rules by itself. It can change urgency, evidence needs, and planning.

USCIS processing times are estimates and vary by form type, category, and office. Check the official tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Delays can follow RFEs, background checks, and interview scheduling.

⏱️ Processing Time: USCIS times are estimates as of December 2025. Check your form and office at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.

Travel and “advance parole” concerns

If you have a pending adjustment case and need travel permission, plan carefully. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document may be required before international travel. Travel without approved advance parole can be treated as abandoning a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, in many categories.

Also consider enforcement volatility at airports. Midway and O’Hare travelers may face extra questioning. Carry proof of your status and filings.

Document checklist for safer, cleaner filings

💰 Current Fee: Fees change. Verify every fee and payment method at uscis.gov/fees before mailing. Wrong fees can cause rejection.

Federal officials have framed Operation Midway Blitz as a sustained interior operation. Local officials have criticized tactics and conditions at the Broadview processing site, which has also faced litigation. None of that pauses USCIS filing obligations. It does raise the stakes for keeping cases organized and responding fast.

What to do this week

1. Create or sign in to your USCIS account at my.uscis.gov and confirm your mailing address.
2. Check your form’s current processing estimate at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
3. Review your file for missing documents, including certified court records if applicable.
4. Verify fees and re-check form editions before filing at uscis.gov/forms and uscis.gov/fees.

📋 Official Resources: Download forms at uscis.gov/forms. Check processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Fees and processing times are subject to change—always verify current information at uscis.gov.