CHICAGO (WGN) U.S. Border Patrol agents, many armed and wearing masks, were seen in downtown Chicago on Sunday afternoon, drawing attention from passersby along Michigan Avenue and at other locations popular among tourists and residents alike.

WGN-TV crews observed agents in full uniform around 2 p.m., while Border Patrol boats patrolled the Chicago River nearby.

The ongoing immigration enforcement effort in the Chicago area, which the Trump administration calls “Operation Midway Blitz,” began in early September. On Sunday, Border Patrol agents in military fatigues were seen in and around locations like the Wrigley Building, Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, the Gold Coast and Clark Street in River North.

There was no sign of federal agents at the corner of Michigan Ave. and Wacker Drive on Monday morning, a location they patrolled Sunday, but area residents were still talking about what they saw over the weekend and some were shaken up.

“I saw a group of about 50 ICE agents,” Meg Evans, a downtown resident, said. “They took a young man, who was I believe walking out of Catholic Charities, and took this gentleman and took him away.

“It was very frightening to observe.”

Jazmine Bentley, a Chicago resident, said, “As a woman of color, it makes me very nervous that one of these people can look at me sideways, and then next thing you know, my whole life is now ruined.”

Harla Hutchinson, also a downtown resident, said she believes federal agents will eventually be back in the area like they were on Sunday.

“I think they’ll probably come back at other times, but they’re going to pick and choose, and pick a time they think (they’re) going to be nice and visible,” Hutchinson said. “… Again, they’re trying to make people afraid.”

‘Getting a lot of support’

The patrols were seemingly led by Gregory Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent for the U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector. He claimed the vast majority of residents were happy to see Border Patrol agents.

“They’re the ones dealing with the violence perpetrated by illegal aliens and violent gang members that are here in Chicago and surrounding areas,” Bovino said. “We’re getting a lot of support from the residents, probably 80% or more support right here in downtown Chicago.”

Some people, however, could be heard yelling at the agents as they walked by, telling them to go home. Others pulled their cell phones out to record what they were witnessing.

“People are enjoying themselves, there’s nothing happening here to protect. There’s no crime, no riots. People are just enjoying a wonderful day,” Stu, a Chicago visitor who did not want to provide his last name, said.

The area that federal agents were patrolling Sunday is the Chicago Police Department’s 1st District. According to CPD, crime in the district is down 14% from last year, while crime in Chicago as a whole is down 13%.

“That was pretty alarming just to see a group of masked guys walking around with silenced ARs. It’s pretty intimidating,” Jake, a visitor from Arkansas who did not want to provide his last name, said.

Jacob Narayan, a Chicagoan, expressed the same dismay as the visitors.

“I’m just walking from my home to my office, and there are armed military personnel on the streets of Chicago, for no reason,” he said. “It’s completely unjustified.”

Bovino said Border Patrol agents would respect the rights of citizens, but he also said agents will act if they’re attacked.

“We believe in the First Amendment, the Fourth Amendment, and all that, but don’t come to a protest ready to fight or shoot Border Patrol agents,” Bovino said. “It won’t work out well for you.”

He was also asked how long “Operation Midway Blitz” might last.

“Until the mission’s accomplished,” Bovino responded. “We’re going to be here until that mission’s accomplished, as you see (Sunday).”

WGN-TV reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to find out the total number of arrests made during “Operation Midway Blitz” and is still awaiting response. However, DHS did say more than 500 arrests were made during the first two weeks of the operation.

Elected officials react

Elected officials and community leaders, including U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia of Illinois’ 4th District and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, gathered at the office of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights for a press conference.

“You claim you are out to get the ‘worst of the worst’, but we see time and time again, the people you are apprehending and terrorizing are hardworking people that make Chicago and Illinois a better place for everyone,” Garcia said.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who is scheduled to address the situation in a press conference Monday afternoon, released the following statement regarding Sunday’s Border Patrol presence:

“The Trump Administration’s DHS officers appear to be carrying large weapons around downtown Chicago in camouflage and masks. This is not making anybody safer it’s a show of intimidation, instilling fear in our communities and hurting our businesses. We cannot normalize militarizing American cities and suburbs. Make sure you know your rights and stay alert.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson issued the following statement on social media:

“I am closely monitoring the confirmed reports of federal agents on Michigan Ave. While Chicagoans and visitors are enjoying another gorgeous Sunday, they are being intimidated and threatened by masked federal agents flaunting automatic weapons for no apparent reason.

“This is another brazen provocation from the Trump administration that does nothing to make our city safer. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.”