DHS Rejects Illinois' Halloween Enforcement Pause

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker asked DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to pause ICE and other federal immigration enforcement in Illinois over the Halloween weekend (Oct. 31–Nov. 2) so children could trick-or-treat without fear after a recent Old Irving Park incident in which agents deployed crowd-control measures that disrupted a neighborhood parade. Noem flatly rejected the request, calling it “shameful” and saying DHS will not pause operations and will instead press activities under Operation Midway Blitz, which officials say targets criminal undocumented immigrants. Residents and local leaders dispute that account, saying agents used tear gas and detained people, including bystanders, during the Halloween-area encounter — criticisms echoed by Pritzker and city officials. Federal officials have touted thousands of arrests under Operation Midway Blitz but have provided limited public detail on who was detained and where, raising questions about tactics and oversight. DHS and border officials say agents faced hostile crowds and issued warnings before using crowd-control measures, a version disputed by witnesses. The clash highlights growing tensions between the federal deportation campaign and Illinois officials who say raids are traumatizing families and disrupting community events.