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32 arrested in Chicago ICE operation violated consent decree, federal judge rules

Feb 28, 2026 · Chicago, IL

32 arrested in Chicago ICE operation violated consent decree, federal judge rules

A federal judge ruled that at least 32 people arrested during Operation Midway Blitz, a major ICE enforcement action in the Chicago area between June 2025 and October 2025, had their arrests violated a 2022 consent decree governing warrantless apprehensions. Among those improperly arrested were Jose Miguel Jimenez and Jeickson Delgado Avila, undocumented immigrants detained during a September 29 raid on an apartment building at 75th and South Shore Drive when ICE agents rappelled from helicopters and broke down doors. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings found the arrests lacked sufficient probable cause that individuals were flight risks, as required by the Castañon Nava consent decree, and that agents provided no justification for their assessments. Of the 32 improperly arrested, 11 are believed to still be in detention, 11 have left the country, and 10 have been released under various conditions. The judge also rejected a recent agency directive that sought to give immigration agents more discretion to make warrantless arrests.

Timeline

Feb 28, 2026Judge Cummings rules that at least 32 arrests during Operation Midway Blitz violated consent decree; orders releases
Feb 14, 2026Federal Judge Jeffrey Cummings orders release of four people detained without warrants; rejects agency directive expanding warrantless arrest authority
Nov 20, 2025Federal judge issues 233-page ruling on preliminary injunction documenting use of force violations, including tear gas, pepper balls, and false reporting during Operation Midway Blitz
Oct 7, 2025Operation Midway Blitz ends; 615 people arrested between June 11 and October 7
Sep 29, 2025ICE agents raid apartment building at 75th and South Shore Drive; Jose Miguel Jimenez and Jeickson Delgado Avila arrested during helicopter-rappel operation
Jun 11, 2025Operation Midway Blitz begins, with ICE conducting enforcement actions across Chicago area

Sources

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