Table of Contents
- Before the Crackdown
- The Surge in Arrests
- Why Target Chicago and Portland?
- Community Impact
- Legal and Political Backlash
- Immigration Arrests by the Numbers
- Sources
Before the Crackdown
For years, Chicago and Portland stood out not for high immigration enforcement—but for remarkably low rates of ICE arrests. Data from the Deportation Data Project shows that in the first six months of the Trump administration’s current term, Illinois and Oregon ranked among the 10 states with the fewest immigration arrests per capita.
In Illinois, ICE made roughly 1,400 arrests—most in the Chicago area—but about 60% of those detained had no criminal convictions. In Oregon, that number was even lower: just 300 arrests statewide, with more than half occurring in the Portland metro area.
The Surge in Arrests
That changed dramatically in September 2025. Following President Trump’s announcement of “Operation Midway Blitz,” federal immigration enforcement in Chicago intensified overnight. Over the past four weeks alone, Homeland Security claims to have arrested more than 1,000 people across Illinois—a pace far exceeding previous months.
While comparable recent data for Portland isn’t yet available, the administration’s attempt to deploy hundreds of out-of-state National Guard troops to the city signals a similar escalation. Federal agents in camouflage have been spotted conducting operations near schools, businesses, and residential neighborhoods—sparking fear and community mobilization.
Why Target Chicago and Portland?
Despite their historically low ICE activity, both cities have become political flashpoints. President Trump has repeatedly described Chicago as “a war zone” and Portland as “on fire for years,” framing them as epicenters of lawlessness—claims contradicted by crime data.
Chicago’s homicide rate through September 2025 stood at 319—nearly half the peak seen during the pandemic. Portland’s protests, while persistent, have remained small-scale and largely peaceful, centered around a single ICE facility.
Critics argue the administration is using immigration enforcement as a political tool. “They’re manufacturing chaos to justify military deployment,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Community Impact
The sudden ramp-up has sent shockwaves through immigrant communities. In Chicago, storefronts now display signs reading “ICE NO ES BIENVENIDO AQUÍ.” Parents organize school pickups in groups. Restaurants have cut delivery services to protect undocumented workers.
“Every single person who looks brown is scared,” said Berto Aguayo, an immigration advocate in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. “Our family gatherings are filled with crying.”
Legal and Political Backlash
State and local leaders have pushed back hard. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declared “ICE-free zones” and urged residents to “push back against tyranny.” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield called the federal actions “an overreach with no legal basis.”
Courts have also intervened. In Portland, Trump-appointed Judge Karin Immergut blocked the deployment of out-of-state National Guard troops, calling the protests “not significantly violent or disruptive.” She later accused the administration of acting “in direct contravention” of her order.
Immigration Arrests by the Numbers
| Location | Arrests (Jan–Jun 2025) | Arrests (Sep–Oct 2025, est.) | Per Capita Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois (mostly Chicago) | ~1,400 | 1,000+ (4 weeks) | Among lowest 10 states |
| Oregon (mostly Portland) | ~300 | Data pending | Among lowest 10 states |
Experts note that the recent surge represents a strategic shift—not a response to rising crime or illegal entry. “This is about visibility, not public safety,” said immigration policy analyst Maria Chen.
