🎢 Christopher Nolan at Great America?

Chicago’s Immigration Enforcement Surge

Although “Operation Midway Blitz” ended in December, immigration arrests in Chicago never stopped. Now, they’re spiking again with ICE sightings recorded across the city.

A Nationwide Push: Recently, the White House told ICE officials that 2,000 arrests per day is the new standard. That’s nearly double the rate from earlier this year. Arrests surged to 10,000 across five days at the end of June.

In Chicago: Last Tuesday alone, ICE agents were reported in Gage Park, Pilsen, Humboldt Park, and Albany Park. Immigration advocates warn they’re more frequent on the Southwest Side. A sighting caused a stir in Logan Square Thursday. Over the last two weeks, local Latinx organization Enlace Chicago said it knew of at least 39 people taken.

• Speaking out: “Get the hell out of our city,” said 22nd Ward Ald. Michael Rodriguez .

Comparing the Numbers: At the height of “Midway Blitz” in the fall, over 4,000 people were arrested total in Illinois, with arrests peaking in October. In May, local groups verified around 45 immigration arrests, almost double the number seen in April. Requests for immigration-related legal assistance also nearly doubled in June.

• In 2026: Nearly 600 people were detained between January and mid-March.

Still Reeling: The surge comes while Chicago is still picking up the pieces from Midway Blitz:

• Of the some 5,000 arrested in Illinois, about half were deported.
• Latino businesses struggle as low foot traffic continues on the Southwest Side.
• Day laborers are afraid to seek work and are more vulnerable to exploitation; many employers are also afraid to seek workers at all.
• A shortage of roofers, concrete layers, and landscapers has delayed construction projects and increased costs.
• New information is coming to light about federal agents’ excessive use of force.

What To Do Now: Travel with a plan. With the risk of ICE presence at airports, many are opting to travel by bus and train. Day to day, City Cast Chicago contributor Yareni Murillo also suggests carrying copies — not originals — of one’s immigration papers and forming a deportation safety plan to keep tabs on the people in your life.

• Want to help? Whether donating money or volunteering your time, there are plenty of ways to step up as ICE raids continue.

City Cracks Down on Street Vendors. Also, Whales … And a Quiz!

Enforcement against street vendors is rising, and the Street Vendors Association of Chicago is sounding the alarm. We break down what’s going on on today’s podcast, plus beluga whales at the Shedd Aquarium and a fun way to keep track of everyone running for mayor. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Bailey and the City

Darren Bailey’s been calling Chicago a “hellhole” long before President Donald Trump. In turn, he received just 16% of the city’s vote while running for governor against JB Pritzker in 2022. Now, it seems, Bailey is changing his tune: the downstate politician and his wife moved to South Loop after Bailey clinched the Republican nomination again. He’ll face Pritzker in November. [Chicago Magazine]

• I couldn’t help but wonder … Can a downstater really snag votes by sipping Intelligentsia? (Bailey name-checked the bougie coffee brand in addition to classic restaurants.)

Dueling Protests at Albany Park Plaza Opening

Protests regarding the fate of unhoused people in Ronan Park rocked the debut of a new plaza there. Initial protestors said those in tents should be removed — “We want our park back,” their signs read. They were quickly met by counter-protestors with signs that said, “Housing is a right.” Both groups argued behind the podium throughout the ceremony. [Block Club]

• Cycling displacement: One encampment resident thinks the city will probably clear out Ronan Park, which could send him along the river. Again.

Possible Flooding Fix Comes to West Side

A $12 million pilot project will build underground storage in Austin to capture floodwater that could overwhelm outdated sewers. There are two project sites: a stretch of Le Moyne Street west of Laramie and a recently completed section of Maypole Street, west of Cicero. [WBEZ]

• Meanwhile: Some West Siders are still waiting on the city to fix flood-damaged homes.

Changing Drinking Trends in Chicago

Young people are drinking less — that affects not only bars but also music venues. Despite rising attendance, Empty Bottle reports flat liquor sales. Meanwhile, sales for nonalcoholic drinks, including THC, are up there and at other concert spaces. But less drinking affects social habits, too. At Rosa’s Lounge, late shows are markedly less crowded. [Reader]

• In the meantime: Celebrate Chicago’s drinking history — at an art exhibit