Chicago is witnessing one of its most significant crime turnarounds in decades — and federal officials say the credit goes directly to President Donald Trump’s aggressive new crackdown on violent criminal illegal aliens protected by Illinois’ sanctuary policies.
According to new Department of Homeland Security data, violent crime began dropping almost immediately after DHS launched “Operation Midway Blitz” in September. The numbers are stunning:
- Shootings down 35% — lowest level in four years
- Robberies down 41%
- Carjackings down 48%
- Homicides down 16%
- Transit crime down 20%
DHS officials are calling the results “a historic win for public safety” and a major victory for communities hit hardest by Chicago’s long-running crime wave.
Trump Celebrates the Win — Despite Democrat Resistance
President Trump highlighted the victory on Truth Social, noting that Chicago’s dramatic improvement comes despite constant pushback from Democrat leaders in Illinois.
“I am proud to announce that Chicago, Illinois — despite all of the radical opposition and obstruction we have from the Mayor and Governor — has seen Car Theft, Shootings, Robberies, Violent Crime, and everything else drop dramatically,” Trump wrote.
He noted that the federal effort is still ramping up:
“This is with just a small initial Federal Force… As we deploy more assets, these numbers will continue to drop.”
Trump argued that Democrat officials in Chicago and Illinois have tolerated violence against ICE and federal law enforcement officers, calling the ongoing hostility “violent left-wing terrorism” that local leaders refuse to prosecute.
Operation Launched in Honor of an American Killed by an Illegal Alien
Operation Midway Blitz was launched in memory of Katie Abraham, an Illinois woman killed in a hit-and-run crash caused by an illegal alien who was shielded from deportation under Illinois’ sanctuary rules.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said sanctuary laws allowed violent offenders to remain in Chicago for years.
“For decades, sanctuary policies made Chicago less safe,” McLaughlin said. “Thanks to our brave DHS officers, the city is finally seeing the benefits of removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens. When you take these violent offenders off the streets, crime rates drop. It’s common sense.”
Is the Operation Expanding? DHS Responds
Reports surfaced that Gregory Bovino — the senior Border Patrol official leading the crackdown — may soon head to Charlotte and later New Orleans to launch similar operations.
DHS did not confirm whether Bovino is leaving Chicago.
Responding to rumors that the operation may be winding down, McLaughlin posted a clear message on X:
“We aren’t leaving Chicago.”
Bottom Line
Under President Trump’s leadership, Chicago is experiencing a dramatic and measurable decline in violent crime for the first time in years. And as DHS intensifies its efforts, officials say the progress seen so far is only the beginning.