ICE's Chicago 'Midway Blitz' and the National Guard fight escalate
1,000+ arrests, a blocked move to federalize Illinois troops, and a fourth 'No Kings' day of protest
Summary
The United States enforcement surge under Donald Trump reached Chicago in mid-2026 through "Operation Midway Blitz," with Ice making 1,000+ arrests in and around the city. The administration moved to federalize 300 Illinois National Guard members over Governor J.B. Pritzker's objection; a federal judge blocked it, finding no "danger of rebellion," and the Supreme Court sided with the lower court. Both Chicago and Illinois are suing. The clash mirrors the 2025 Los Angeles deployment — the first Guard mobilization without a governor's consent since 1965. On 14 June (Trump's 80th birthday) the "No Kings" movement held its fourth nationwide action, a "Rise Up, Sing Out" event with roughly 500 watch parties, building on protests that drew millions through 2025–26. The raids are funded by the Trump signs $70bn Secure America Act, locking ICE and CBP funding through 2029.
By the numbers
- 1,000+ — arrests in the Chicago "Midway Blitz."
- 300 — Illinois Guard members the administration sought to federalize.
- ~500 — "No Kings" watch parties on 14 June.
- 1965 — last prior Guard deployment over a governor's objection (the LA precedent).
Why it matters
The fight tests whether a president can override a governor to put troops into a US city for immigration enforcement. Courts have so far said no, but the administration keeps pressing — a constitutional contest over federalism and domestic military use, with mass protest tracking the escalation.
What to watch
- Outcomes of the Chicago and Illinois lawsuits.
- Whether the administration extends the Guard tactic to other Democratic-run cities.
- Scale of the next "No Kings" mobilization.