Abusive Trump Agents Use Choppers to Terrorize Chicago

Federal immigration agents have been accused of using militarized tactics in Chicago, including helicopter raids, chemical agents, and mass detentions, sparking outrage among city leaders and residents, Sophia Tareen and Ali Swenson reported for the Associated Press (AP).

U.S. citizens, legal residents, and children have reportedly been detained during the operations. (Photo: Master Sgt. Scott Thompson, 182nd Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force)

“They are the ones making it a war zone,” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said on CNN. “They fire tear gas and smoke grenades, and they make it look like it’s a war zone.”

More than 1,000 immigrants have been arrested since the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown began last month in the Chicago area. The White House has also pledged to deploy National Guard troops to accelerate deportations.

“ICE acted like an invading army in our neighborhoods,” said State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, a Democrat.

“Helicopters hovered above our homes, terrifying families and disturbing the peace of our community. These shameful and lawless actions are not only a violation of constitutional rights but of our most basic liberty — the right to live free from persecution and fear.”

U.S. citizens, legal residents, and children have reportedly been detained during the operations, which have spread across Chicago’s neighborhoods and suburbs.

On Sunday, activists and residents gathered at an apartment complex on the South Side where the Department of Homeland Security said 37 immigrants were recently arrested — prompting Pritzker to call for a formal investigation.

While federal agents have largely targeted immigrant-heavy and Latino communities, one recent operation took place in the predominantly Black South Shore neighborhood, which has seen a small influx of asylum-seeking migrants resettled in Chicago.