Overview
- Hundreds filled Thalia Hall in Pilsen as residents detailed alleged coordination between Chicago police and ICE or Border Patrol during the months-long Midway Blitz operation.
- Speakers described CPD protecting or assisting federal agents, including a reported traffic stop after agents called 911 on a community monitor, and raised concerns over tear gas and crowd-control tactics.
- Organizers and several elected officials pressed for arrests of federal agents, suspensions for any CPD officers who cooperated, an end to collaboration with ICE, and the arrest of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino if he returns to Chicago.
- CPD has maintained it did not violate the city’s Welcoming City ordinance and says officers respond to 911 calls and ensure public safety when on scene with federal agents.
- The hearing was triggered by more than 2,000 resident signatures, and CCPSA leaders emphasized it was a listening session that will inform whether corrective actions or referrals are warranted.