Archive · 31 Oct 2025
US Homeland Security Secretary Rejects Illinois Governor's Plea to Pause ICE Operations During Halloween
The person in charge of immigration and border safety in the US, Kristi Noem, said that immigration agents will keep working in Chicago even though it's Halloween.
The governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker, asked for the agents to stop for a little while because some people, including kids, were affected by a chemical spray used by agents.
He wants families to feel safe during the holiday.
But Ms. Noem said stopping the work would be bad for safety and called the governor's request shameful.
This big operation, called Operation Midway Blitz, has been going on for a couple of months and has led to many arrests.
There have been protests and arguments about how the agents are doing their job.
US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated ICE operations in Chicago will continue through Halloween weekend.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker requested a pause on ICE operations, citing the deployment of a chemical agent and its impact on residents.
Noem rejected the request, calling it "shameful" and emphasizing the need to maintain community safety.
The ongoing crackdown, Operation Midway Blitz, has resulted in approximately 3,000 arrests since its launch in September.
Recent events include community clashes, protests, and a federal judge's order for daily reporting on the use of force by Border Patrol agents.
- Who
- US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
- What
- Secretary Noem stated that ongoing ICE operations in and around Chicago will continue through Halloween weekend, rejecting Governor Pritzker's request for a pause.
- When
- Thursday, October 26, 2025
- Where
- Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana
- Why
- Secretary Noem believes pausing operations would compromise community safety, while Governor Pritzker sought to allow Illinois families to celebrate Halloween without fear, citing an incident where a chemical agent was deployed.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
Pause ICE Operations During Halloween
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
Requested a suspension of ICE operations in Chicago during the Halloween weekend to allow families to celebrate without fear, citing an incident involving a chemical agent.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
Rejected the request, deeming it "shameful" and stating that operations will not be paused as they are necessary to keep communities safe.
Impact of Federal Actions
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
Expressed concern over federal agents deploying a chemical agent and affecting children and U.S. citizens, leading to calls for the "suspend[sion]" of immigration crackdowns.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
Focused on the necessity of ongoing operations for safety and security, dismissing the governor's concerns as a reason to halt law enforcement activities.
- Operation Name
- Operation Midway Blitz
- Operation Start Date
- September
- Estimated Arrests
- Approximately 3,000
- Federal Agencies Involved
- ICE ERO, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, ATF
- National Guard Deployment
- Over 500 from Illinois and Texas