The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Friday that federal agents arrested more than 1,000 illegal aliens in Illinois as part of Operation Midway Blitz, a sweeping crackdown on those who sought refuge under the state’s sanctuary policies.

The operation — led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol — launched Sept. 8 in honor of Katie Abraham, who was killed in Illinois by a drunk driver later identified as illegal alien Julio Cucul-Bol. The initiative was designed to take “the worst of the worst” off the streets of Chicago and other parts of the state, according to a press release from DHS.

“During Operation Midway Blitz, our brave DHS law enforcement has made more than 1,000 arrests across Illinois, including of pedophiles, child abusers, kidnappers, gang members and armed robbers,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. 

“Operation Midway Blitz is making Illinois safe again.” 

Jesus Rafael Gonzalez-Teran, an illegal alien, was arrested on charges of battery, assault and possession of controlled substances, DHS said. (The Department of Homeland Security)

Jesus Rafael Gonzalez-Teran, an illegal alien, who was arrested on charges of battery, assault and possession of controlled substances, according to DHS.

Ludwing Jeanpier Parra-Perez, an illegal alien and confirmed member of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, DHS said. (The Department of Homeland Security)

Ludwing Jeanpier Parra-Perez, an illegal alien and confirmed member of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, according to DHS.

Isaac Josue Rodriguez Arguelles, an illegal alien with previous charges for assault with a weapon, according to DHS. (The Department of Homeland Security)

Isaac Josue Rodriguez Arguelles, an illegal alien with previous charges for assault with a weapon, as noted in the release.

Earlier Friday, federal agents arrested more than a dozen protesters outside an ICE processing facility in Broadview, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem also said she and her staff were denied entry to a government building in Broadview when they stopped to use the restroom.