DHS Launches Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois

The Department of Homeland Security announced Operation Midway Blitz, an immigration enforcement surge in Illinois, on Sept. 8, 2025. DHS said the operation honored Katie Abraham, an Illinois woman killed in a crash by a man in the country illegally, and would target criminal noncitizens. Customs and Border Protection commander Gregory Bovino led the surge as commander-at-large, reporting directly to Secretary Kristi Noem.