POLITICS

Illinois and Chicago sue DHS over federal tactics

PUBLISHED Jan 12, 2026, 4:28 PM ET

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Chicago and the State of Illinois filed suit on Monday against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, alleging that federal agents deployed under Operation Midway Blitz used unlawful and dangerous tactics in neighborhoods. Attorney General Kwame Raoul, backed by Governor JB Pritzker and City of Chicago, accused Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement of making warrantless arrests, interrogating people without probable cause, deploying tear gas and chemical agents, and operating with military-style weaponry. The 103-page complaint seeks court orders to restrict roving patrols, biometric searches, and specific crowd-control practices. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

October: Earlier lawsuit challenged agents' conduct and resulted in a preliminary injunction limiting some actions.
In the months before January: Federal agents operated in Chicago-area neighborhoods under Operation Midway Blitz, according to complaints.
January 12: Illinois and the City of Chicago filed a 103-page complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
The complaint alleges warrantless arrests, indiscriminate tear gas use, interrogations without probable cause, and biometric scanning of residents.
The judicial process is pending as plaintiffs request injunctions to restrict specific DHS, CBP and ICE practices.

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Who Benefited

The State of Illinois and the City of Chicago may benefit if courts grant injunctive relief limiting federal roving patrols, biometric scanning, and certain crowd-control tactics, thereby constraining specific DHS, CBP and ICE enforcement practices within the state.

Who Impacted

Residents and neighborhoods in Chicago and surrounding areas are alleged to have suffered fear, injuries and civil liberties infringements stemming from the disputed federal operations, including reports of tear gas use and warrantless stops.