Judge Delays Ruling on Special Prosecutor for “Operation Midway Blitz”—Media
Background
Operation Midway Blitz was a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement action launched on September 8, 2025. The operation targeted "criminal illegal aliens" in Chicago and surrounding Illinois areas, continuing through the fall of 2025 with significant, ongoing activity reported through at least December.
Key details:
Purpose: Target undocumented immigrants with criminal records in response to Illinois sanctuary policies.
Location: Primary focused in and around Chicago.
Impact: Over 3,000 arrests were reported by mid-November 2025, with major raids, protests and increased federal presence in the area.
Why the delay matters
Defense lawyers and community advocates argue a special prosecutor is needed to ensure impartiality and to investigate alleged ICE abuses connected to the operation; prosecutors counter that existing county offices can address conflicts without appointing outside counsel (Block Club Chicago, May 11; NBC Chicago, May 11). The judge set a new hearing for May 21 to consider the motion, giving parties time to file additional briefs and prepare arguments (Axios, May 11).
The delay keeps open questions about prosecutorial leadership, coordination between federal and local authorities, and public confidence in handling politically sensitive investigations—outcomes that advocates say could shape oversight of immigration-related enforcement going forward (Block Club Chicago, May 11; Chicago Sun-Times, May 11).
