Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents launched operations in Addison, Berwyn, and Aurora starting late October 2025, arresting dozens with criminal records while detaining U.S. citizens and bystanders through actions like smashing vehicle windows and using pepper spray near schools.
Incidents involving activists and locals led to protests and condemnations from Illinois officials, including Governor J.B. Pritzker, who requested a pause on raids.
The Department of Homeland Security justified the tactics as responses to increased assaults on agents during enforcement in Latino-heavy neighborhoods.
