Chicago – Federal immigration authorities carried out a significant operation on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals at parking lots near O’Hare International Airport. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), those detained were suspected of various crimes, although officials did not provide specific details for each person involved.
Chicago – The individuals arrested by Border Patrol are undocumented immigrants from a diverse range of countries, including Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and Venezuela. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the nationalities of those detained in a statement released on Saturday.
Chicago – McLaughlin stated that the detainees face accusations of crimes such as domestic battery, driving under the influence (DUI), visa overstays, and final orders of removal. However, officials did not specify which individual faced which allegation, leaving some questions about the case pending further investigation.
Chicago – Authorities emphasized that those living in the country illegally have options. McLaughlin noted that individuals could use the CBP Home app to receive a free flight back to their home countries along with a $1,000 check. Otherwise, they face arrest, detention, and eventual deportation.
Chicago – Border Patrol Chief Agent Gregory Bovino highlighted on social media platform X that the agency had recently apprehended numerous illegal ride-share operators, claiming they were taking jobs from American citizens. He suggested that additional actions would be announced in the coming days.
Chicago – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1, through spokesperson Bailey Koch, confirmed awareness of multiple drivers being detained at the O’Hare parking lot. The union stated that it is actively working to locate the affected individuals and provide support for their families.
Chicago – Koch explained that SEIU Local 1 is collaborating with the City of Chicago to ensure the security of the airport lot. Measures are being taken so that only individuals with proper credentials can access the area, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about federal enforcement actions targeting drivers.
Chicago – The arrests come amid rising anxiety among rideshare drivers operating in Chicago, many of whom fear they could be targeted for arrest while performing their work. Last week, reports emerged of drivers sharing images and videos of federal agents approaching them while they paused outside their vehicles for meals or prayer.