Overview
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said ICE and Border Patrol will be "out on the streets in full force" and increase activity on Halloween to keep communities safe.
- Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s letter sought a pause on Oct. 31–Nov. 2 near homes, schools, hospitals, parks, houses of worship and other Halloween gatherings.
- DHS defended a recent Old Irving Park operation as a response to agents being boxed in after issuing warnings, while residents and affidavits describe tear gas used without clear warning.
- U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis admonished Border Patrol leadership over the incident and maintained limits on chemical-agent use with warnings required in non‑threat settings.
- DHS touts more than 3,000 arrests under 'Operation Midway Blitz,' a claim Pritzker disputes as overbroad, with TRAC data indicating over 71% of those detained lack criminal convictions.