Federal Agents Conduct Major Operation at Chicago’s Back of the Yards Flea Market, Protesters Detained at Nearby Gas Station

CHICAGO (WLS) — Federal immigration agents were visible throughout Chicago on Thursday as “Operation Midway Blitz” intensified its efforts.

Eyewitnesses reported that approximately 30 federal officers converged on a local flea market, detaining several individuals who attempted to flee, leaving a sense of fear and uncertainty among the remaining vendors.

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The federal agents conducted arrests at the Swap-O-Rama flea market, situated near 41st Street and South Ashland Avenue in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.

“If anyone was running, that’s who they grabbed,” shared Noe Ochoa, a vendor at Swap-O-Rama. “I saw one woman who seemed almost faint; she looked shocked, as if to say, ‘Why me?'”

Alderwoman Julia Ramirez from the 12th Ward confirmed that several vendors were among those apprehended during the operation.

The Thursday morning operation happened not far from a clash between federal agents and demonstrators near a BP gas station at West 47th Street and South Western Avenue.

Video showed multiple immigration officers wrestling a man to ground. One person appeared to be detained. The crowd then grew as federal vehicles drove off.

“A couple U.S. citizens were detained on that corner,” Ald. Ramirez said. “I’m still gathering more information on that, but we’re seeing an escalation of force.”

Some of those same demonstrators later returned to the Back of the Yards flea market in protest.

“Terrorizing our people! We want our communities to be safe,” anti-ICE demonstrator Elizabeth Aramas said.

Uncertainty loomed over the families who depend on the flea market for survival.

“This just scares people away,” Ochoa said. “We’re not making any business.”

ABC7 Chicago reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol for comment but have not heard back.

Alderwoman Ramirez says about 15 people were detained at the Swap-O-Rama.

SEE ALSO | Judge orders ICE field director to testify, ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ agents to wear body cameras

Also on Thursday, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle signed an executive order banning the use of county property for immigration enforcement. The order says ICE cannot stage, debrief or use county property for any immigration operation.

“Cook County is proud to be a welcoming County, committed to protecting the safety, dignity, and human rights of all residents,” Preckwinkle said in a statement. “It is critical that the government’s interactions with the public adhere to our nation’s laws and values. Yet, ICE’s increasingly aggressive, inhumane and unlawful actions continue undermining the safety and stability of our communities. We will do everything we can to ensure all residents receive fair treatment and our communities are safe from harassment and intimidation.”

SEE ALSO | ICE arrests Hanover Park police officer, accuses him of being in US illegally