Overview
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker asked DHS to suspend enforcement from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 near homes, schools, parks, hospitals and houses of worship so families could celebrate safely.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem refused the request and said ICE and CBP would be "out on the streets in full force" with increased activity for Halloween.
- U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis admonished Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino this week, stressing court limits on using chemical agents without warnings and urging restraint during Halloween.
- An Oct. 25 operation in Old Irving Park where agents deployed tear gas near children prompted cancellation of a neighborhood parade and spurred local safety efforts like candy drives and volunteer patrols.
- DHS highlights thousands of arrests under Operation Midway Blitz and rising assaults on agents, while TRAC data reported that over 71% of those detained lack criminal convictions.