Teen brothers document ICE enforcement activity across Chicago area
Nov 14, 2025·Location: West Chicago, IL

Two homeschooled brothers, Sam (16) and Ben (17) Luhmann, have been patrolling West Chicago and surrounding areas since mid-September to document federal immigration enforcement activity during Operation Midway Blitz. The brothers have had numerous encounters with ICE agents and have been threatened with arrest while documenting their activities. Their efforts represent part of a broader youth activism movement against the enforcement operation across the Chicago area.
Sources
- West Chicago brothers are on the front lines against ‘Operation Midway Blitz.’ And they’re only teenagers.
develop.chicagotribune.com·Nov 14, 2025·archived copy
- These brothers are on the front lines against ‘Operation Midway Blitz.’ And they’re only teenagers.
thenewsherald.com·Nov 14, 2025·archived copy
- West Chicago brothers are on the front lines against ‘Operation Midway Blitz.’ And they’re only teenagers.
hettie.family·Nov 18, 2025·archived copy
More incidents in Illinois
- Woman shot seven times by Border Patrol agent sues after charges droppedOct 5, 2026 · Chicago, IL
- Man mistaken for fugitive beaten and detained by ICE agents in Evanston, hospitalizedOct 4, 2026 · Evanston, IL
- ICE arrests eight men in Woodstock and Waukegan, Illinois enforcement operationsSep 25, 2026 · Waukegan, IL
- DACA recipient held by ICE for 7 months, son didn't recognize herSep 22, 2026 · Broadview, IL
- Federal agents repeatedly use tear gas, pepper spray on protesters at Broadview ICE facilitySep 19, 2026 · Broadview, IL
- Fear of ICE raids cost Chicago-area businesses $1.26 billion, study findsSep 8, 2026 · Chicago, IL