Federal Immigration Operations Stir Tensions in U.S. Cities

CHICAGO — The sight of armed, camouflaged, and masked Border Patrol agents conducting arrests near iconic downtown Chicago landmarks has sparked concern over an expanding federal law enforcement presence in U.S. cities.

Over the weekend, agents were seen operating near Michigan Avenue and other upscale neighborhoods, even using boats on the Chicago River. The enforcement actions targeted immigrant-heavy areas, particularly in Latino communities, prompting criticism from local officials and activists who called the operations racially discriminatory.

Chicago Alderman Brandon Reilly described the operations as a “photo opportunity” for the federal government and “un-American,” reflecting broader unease in the nation’s third-largest city. Governor JB Pritzker stated that Illinois had received notice from the Department of Homeland Security requesting 100 National Guard troops to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and facilities.

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The enforcement activity follows recent Supreme Court decisions that eased restrictions on so-called “roving patrols,” allowing immigration agents to stop individuals based on factors such as race, language, employment, or location. Critics argue that these operations disproportionately affect minority communities. Veronica Castro, with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said the downtown arrests represented a major escalation in immigration enforcement tactics.

Residents expressed mixed reactions. Some passersby applauded federal agents, while others, including Chicago native Shirley Zuniga, followed agents to voice opposition. “This is much more important to me than my birthday,” Zuniga said, highlighting the concern among local immigrant communities.

Similar tensions are emerging in other cities. In Portland, Oregon, Democratic officials are challenging the deployment of 200 National Guard members under federal control for 60 days. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed a motion in federal court to temporarily block the deployment, describing the presence of military personnel on city streets as an abuse of power. Portland’s ICE facility has been a frequent site of protests, with recent demonstrations including peaceful marches and some arrests related to altercations.

In Memphis, Tennessee, residents braced for the start of a federal law enforcement surge to combat violent crime, though large-scale operations had not yet occurred. Local organizers expressed concerns that the National Guard presence could deter residents, particularly immigrants, from seeking medical care or reporting crimes.

Meanwhile, in Louisiana, Governor Jeff Landry requested National Guard support for cities including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport to address elevated violent crime rates. However, recent reports indicate that major cities in the state, including New Orleans, have seen declines in homicide rates, with 2025 projected to record the lowest number of killings in over 50 years.

Federal authorities, including Border Patrol agent Gregory Bovino, emphasized that their operations target individuals present in the U.S. illegally, based on intelligence and agent experience. However, critics argue that the tactics, particularly in urban areas, risk racial profiling and community alienation.

The expansion of federal law enforcement in multiple cities highlights an ongoing clash between local leaders advocating for community protection and the federal government’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement and crime prevention.