DHS Launches Operation Midway Blitz in Honor of Katie Abraham

Lead The Department of Homeland Security unveiled Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago and throughout Illinois today, naming the enforcement surge after 20-year-old Katie Abraham to target criminal undocumented immigrants.

Nut Graf Announced Tuesday by ICE officials, the operation commemorates Abraham-killed in a January hit-and-run-and marks a significant escalation in federal enforcement against criminal illegal aliens under Illinois’ sanctuary policies.

Background: Tragic Hit-and-Run

  • On January 19, Abraham and her friend Chloe Polzin were stopped at a red light in Urbana when a suspected drunk driver struck their vehicle at high speed, killing both women at the scene and hospital, respectively.
  • The driver, Julio Cucul-Bol, a 29-year-old Guatemalan national, fled but was apprehended days later in Texas with falsified Mexican identification.

Family Reaction

Katie’s father, Joe Abraham, granted DHS permission to use his daughter’s name, hoping the operation will spare other families similar grief. He praised the initiative’s goal while urging “a rational balance” between public safety and due process.

Political and Community Response

  • Federal Stance: Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the crackdown will “hunt down, arrest, deport” dangerous offenders who exploit sanctuary policies.
  • State Pushback: Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson decried the move as a “militarized intimidation” tactic lacking local coordination.
  • Protests Planned: Advocacy groups have scheduled a March Against Midway Blitz in downtown Chicago this afternoon to oppose what they call a “declaration of war on Latinos”.

Operation Details and Next Steps

  • Approximately 300 ICE agents are operating from Naval Station Great Lakes as a logistical hub.
  • Federal officials report early success, citing multiple arrests of individuals with criminal records.
  • National Guard support remains “on the table” should enforcement efforts intensify further.

The operation is set to continue throughout the week, with DHS promising regular updates on arrests, court actions, and community impact.