Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just dropped a bombshell in Illinois with a massive sweep of over 800 unauthorized migrants.

In a bold move dubbed Operation Midway Blitz, ICE rounded up hundreds across the sanctuary state of Illinois, targeting individuals with criminal histories amid fierce pushback from local leaders and activists.

This operation, named in memory of Katie Abraham—a young woman tragically killed in a hit-and-run by an unauthorized migrant alongside her friend Chloe Polzin—sent a clear message about prioritizing community safety.

Operation targets criminal offenders

The numbers are staggering: over 800 arrests confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security’s Tricia McLaughlin during this targeted enforcement.

“During Operation Midway Blitz, DHS law enforcement has made more than 800 arrests across Illinois,” McLaughlin stated in a release.

Well, isn’t that a wake-up call for sanctuary state policies? When federal agents battle both criminals and local opposition just to do their jobs, the system’s got some explaining to do.

Convicted offenders among those detained

Among those detained are individuals with serious rap sheets, like Cristobal Carias Masin from El Salvador, convicted of statutory rape and fraud, with pending assault charges.

Then there’s Stefan Cseve from Austria, previously convicted of sexual assault and abuse, now facing charges tied to murder and rape—hardly the neighbor anyone wants.

Others include Eduardo Sandoval-Secundino from Mexico, with DUIs and drug convictions, and Refugio Ramirez-Larios, also from Mexico, tied to weapons offenses and concealing a homicidal death. Turns out, ignoring borders doesn’t make crime vanish.

Dangerous records highlight enforcement need

The list goes on with Angel Galindo Viveros, convicted of armed carjacking and robbery, and Blanca Cecillia Sanchez-Sanchez from Venezuela, a confirmed member of the Tren de Aragua gang.

Even repeat offenders like Carlos Rene Contreras from Honduras, removed three times before, were nabbed again for illegal reentry. If at first you don’t succeed, apparently, some just keep crossing.

This operation wasn’t just a random sweep—it’s a pointed effort by the Trump administration to focus on violent criminals and repeat offenders, despite the sanctuary state’s resistance.

Local opposition complicates federal efforts

ICE agents faced steep challenges, with opposition from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and activist groups making enforcement an uphill battle.

Things got uglier outside the Broadview Processing Center, where activists rioted, chanting violent slogans like “Kill ICE!” just days after a gunman attacked an ICE facility in Dallas. When dissent turns to threats, it’s time to ask who’s really protecting whom.

The Trump administration remains steadfast, stating it “will not allow sanctuary politicians or violent rioters to stop us from enforcing the law” against those who pose real threats. It’s a firm stance, and perhaps a reminder that actions—or inactions—have consequences.