() Armed federal agents in paramilitary garb descended on downtown Chicago Sunday in an obvious show of force as the Trump administration continues what it calls a crackdown on illegal immigration in the sanctuary city.

observed dozens of U.S. Border Patrol agents at tourist sites such as the Magnificent Mile, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it had hundreds of ICE officers downtown. The parade of federal authorities is part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” a surge of federal resources that began earlier this month.

“I would say the majority are actually glad we’re here,” Gregory Bovino, commander-at-large of U.S. Border Patrol, said of the public reaction. “They are congratulating us, saying, ‘It’s about time you’re here.’ Especially those inner-city residents here in Chicago are very glad were here, because oftentimes they’re up against that vast illegal migration that took place over the past four years. They’re the ones dealing with the violence perpetrated by illegal aliens.”

Not everyone was glad to see the feds. One tourist shared a photograph of a family being detained by Border Patrol agents near Millennium Park, and a baby caught up in the action was crying.

A tourist from Arkansas who identified himself as Jake R. said the sight of militarized officers was jarring in the urban setting.

“That was pretty alarming, just to see a group of masked guys walking around with silenced ARs. It’s pretty intimidating, especially for people here,” he said.

ICE facility has been flashpoint in Chicago

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson put out a statement Sunday saying the show of federal muscle downtown is a “brazen provocation from the Trump administration that does nothing to make our city safer.” His administration has opposed ICE operations, saying roundups of “the worst of the worst” has tended to sweep up migrants who aren’t committing crimes.

Prior to Sunday, the enlarged federal presence in Chicago was focused on the ICE detention center in west suburban Broadview. Protesters have gathered there to impede the progress of migrant roundups. Border Patrol agents are running security at the fenced-in complex, where agents occasionally have shot off tear gas and pepper balls to disperse crowds.

Authorities arrested 11 people Saturday before dispersing demonstrators around 8:30 p.m. The Department of Homeland Security says agents recovered two guns and potential explosives.