A controversial federal law enforcement initiative in Chicago, which has been under scrutiny for months, has reportedly led to a reduction in crime rates and the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday.

Since the launch of Operation Midway Blitz in September, the city has seen significant declines in various crime categories. Notably, murders have decreased by 15%, robberies by 41%, and carjackings by an impressive 48%. Additionally, transit-related crimes have fallen by 20%, and shootings have reached their lowest levels in four years, dropping by 35%, as stated by the DHS.

“For years, sanctuary policies have exacerbated Chicago’s crime issues. However, thanks to our dedicated DHS law enforcement efforts, the city is witnessing an unprecedented decline in violent crime,” said Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary.

As part of Operation Midway Blitz, federal agents apprehended a Mexican national previously convicted of forcibly sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. This arrest was one of many aimed at targeting serious offenders. (Fox News)

McLaughlin further commented, “It’s straightforward—when you remove the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens from our nation, crime rates naturally decrease.”

The operation has been heavily criticized by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. 

Pritzker has characterized the law enforcement presence in the city as targeting people of color, as well as American citizens, instead of going after the “worst of the worst.”

“They need to get out of Chicago if they’re not going to focus on the worst of the worst,” the governor said during an October appearance on CNN. “They need to get the heck out.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson push back on Trump’s plan to send National Guard and boost ICE enforcement in Chicago. (Getty Images; Scott Olson)

Some of the illegal immigrants targeted include a Latin Kings gang member with convictions for burglary, two DUIs, as well as other crimes. Another illegal immigrant from Mexico was previously convicted of sexual assault and burglary. 

Others have convictions for murder, weapons possession, robbery, battery on a peace officer and negligent manslaughter homicide vehicle, authorities said. 

Johnson, the Chicago mayor, recently criticized Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino for the immigration raids in his city, saying the law enforcement official’s behavior “provokes terror on people.”

People detained are taken to a parking lot on the far north side of the city before being transferred to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Oct. 31 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Getty Images)

“I’ve seen a lot of bad behavior from human beings over the course of my study of just history,” Johnson told reporters. “Even when he (Bovino) was on his way into federal court, he paraded down the street and saluted individuals,” he added, furrowing his brow.

“And then [DHS goes] on social media and put hip-hop music to their terror in Black and Brown communities. That’s not even a dog whistle anymore. That’s some real racist jacked-up stuff that he is engaged in.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the offices of Pritzker and Johnson.