Illinois State Sen. Karina Villa went viral this week after video captured her walking through a West Chicago neighborhood, urging residents to stay indoors as she confronted what she described as masked ICE agents.
In the footage, Villa can be heard warning, “Don’t open your doors if there’s not a warrant,” and shouting at the group of masked individuals, “This is my city. Take off your masks.” She later posted her own video to social media, accusing immigration agents of targeting Latino residents without transparency.
Villa claimed at least 13 people — including a minor — were taken in her community during encounters at grocery stores, apartment complexes, and public streets. She denounced the raids as attacks on “this immigrant, beautiful community.”
Her warnings came as federal authorities ramped up immigration enforcement in Illinois under “Operation Midway Blitz,” an initiative announced by the White House. While officials confirmed arrests in nearby suburbs, the number of people detained in West Chicago has not been disclosed.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem personally joined raids in Elgin, posting video of three men taken into custody. She defended the sweeps, vowing that federal agents will enforce immigration laws even in “sanctuary” communities.
Immigrant rights groups, meanwhile, are mobilizing to inform residents of their rights and document possible violations. “They were here in West Chicago … and they are doing everything they can to make sure people know their rights,” said Damian Kogan of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
Villa reported that sightings of masked agents in West Chicago continued into Wednesday, though no new arrests were immediately confirmed.
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