CHICAGO – In a significant move against federal immigration enforcement, a commission established by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker convened its first public hearing to address allegations of harassment and abuse during a crackdown in the Chicago area. The operation, characterized by aggressive tactics, such as the extensive use of chemical agents, has faced widespread criticism from community leaders, residents, and lawmakers who argue it represents an overreach of federal power.

During the hearing, Rubén Castillo, a former federal judge leading the commission, expressed the importance of rejecting a culture of acceptance toward such tactics, stating, This cannot be the new normal.

The operation has resulted in over 4,000 arrests while prompting lawsuits and state legislation designed to protect immigrant rights, particularly shielding them from enforcement actions near courthouses, schools, and hospitals. Despite the Department of Homeland Security's justification of actions as necessary to combat rising threats, critics highlighted that many arrestees did not possess violent criminal backgrounds.

The commission aims to create a comprehensive record of the impact of these federal operations on communities, gathering testimonies from various stakeholders. As tensions rise within the community, there is an urgent call for accountability and recognition of the complex realities faced by immigrant residents in the wake of federal enforcement actions.