U.S. Customs and Border Protection is now patrolling boats along the Chicago River as part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s “Operation Midway Blitz.”
Launched last month in the Chicago area despite pushback from local Democratic leaders, the operation has already led to more than 900 arrests, including individuals with serious prior convictions and outstanding criminal charges.
“Lakes and rivers are borders too. … Wherever the border’s at, that’s where Border Patrol is gonna be,” CBP Commander Gregory Bovino told Fox News.
While Chicago is hundreds of miles from the southern border, officials note the city’s river connects directly to Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes, and lies only a few hundred miles from the Canadian border.
DHS dropped a video celebrating the success of “Midway Blitz,” saying, “To every criminal illegal alien: Darkness is no longer your ally. We will find you.”
Watch the video below:
DHS law enforcement has made OVER 900 ARRESTS during Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois.
To every criminal illegal alien: Darkness is no longer your ally. We will find you. pic.twitter.com/m9PxbuK5Ua
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) October 2, 2025
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