Chicago Authorities Heighten Security for Big Ten Tournament and Major Events at United Center Amid Iran Conflict Concerns

CHICAGO (WLS) — As Chicago gears up for the NCAA Big 10 Men’s Basketball Tournament kicking off on Tuesday, the I-Team is delving into a comprehensive threat analysis conducted by law enforcement. This event, which attracts tens of thousands to the United Center, has prompted a meticulous review.

The FBI’s Chicago Field Office has produced this assessment, shared with ABC News, which places law enforcement on heightened alert given the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.

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Despite the absence of any credible or specific threats at this time, both local and federal agencies remain vigilant for individuals intent on causing harm to American citizens.

Ahead of the NCAA Big Ten tournament, security forces are particularly concerned about potential assaults motivated by foreign terrorist groups, a concern underscored by an incident under investigation from the previous weekend.

In a related event in Manhattan, authorities apprehended two individuals on Saturday for allegedly hurling improvised explosive devices near the mayor’s residence.

The incident is now being investigated by federal authorities for possible ties to ISIS, according to court records.

ABC7 law enforcement expert and former deputy special agent in charge at the Chicago Secret Service Field office Derek Mayer said since the war with Iran started stateside law enforcement have been on high alert.

“The leaders of a country were killed,” Mayer said. “So, law enforcement on American soil need to be prepared.”

Mayer told the I-Team with ongoing offensives in the Middle East, federal and local law enforcement have a heightened threat posture here at home.

“Law enforcement has to be vigilant,” Mayer explained. “What you’ll see nowadays is, you know, extra patrols, extra resources, extra assets, and sometimes you’ll even see extra officers at a lot of these events.”

The FBI security assessment highlights the unpredictability of the current threat environment, including the possibility of lone wolf actors inspired by political or social grievances, like the Highland Park July 4th shooter who killed six people and wounded dozens, and the threat of vehicle attacks on soft targets, like the 2025 New Orleans New Years Day attack.

Another area of focus in the assessment: The emerging threat of using drone technology for a planned attack.

“A small drone can carry a small payload that can, you know, wreak havoc,” Mayer said. “That is something that law enforcement has to be prepared for. And as we know, technology is evolving every day.”

The report again states there is no credible reporting on plans to use drones to target the NCAA Big Ten Tournament, but it notes foreign terrorist organization propaganda that has encouraged people to use drones for mass casualty attacks, with ISIS specifically encouraging attacks on sporting events.

Experts tell the I-Team the threat environment is incredibly dynamic right now. Pro-Iranian hacking organizations just claimed successful cyber-attacks against the US, Israel, and other NATO allies in the past week, according to intelligence reports reviewed by the I-Team.

Mayer said attendees of major events can be law enforcement’s greatest ally.

“The general public is law enforcement’s greatest friend,” Mayer said. “If you see something, say something, especially at times like this, when America is in a conflict.”