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Chicago

Chicago Immigration Blitz Under Fire: Former DHS Chief Calls Out Border Patrol Tactics

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Chicago’s immigration enforcement campaign by federal authorities has drawn sharp criticism from a former top U.S. Department of Homeland Security official. Gil Kerlikowske, who served as Customs and Border Protection commissioner from 2014 to 2017, is closely monitoring the situation and has voiced serious concerns about the methods used by Border Patrol agents in the city.

Kerlikowske, who previously spent eight years as Seattle police chief overseeing large-scale protests, provided a sworn statement for a lawsuit filed by the state of Illinois. The lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s plan to deploy National Guard troops as part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign in Chicago. In a detailed interview with WBEZ, Kerlikowske shared his observations and evaluations of how federal agents are conducting operations in urban environments.

Story Highlights:

  • Former DHS commissioner Gil Kerlikowske critiques Chicago immigration enforcement by Border Patrol.

  • Experts question the suitability of Border Patrol agents for city-based law enforcement.

  • Allegations of indiscriminate use of pepper balls and tear gas against protesters in Broadview.

  • Border Patrol leadership described as unorganized compared to Illinois State Police.

  • Concerns raised about urban deployment of federal agents and public safety.

Kerlikowske stressed the stark difference between urban policing and federal border operations.

“If you’re a local police officer, such as a Chicago police officer, you go through months and months of training at an academy,” he said. “Afterward, you are paired with senior officers and evaluated on how you deal with the public, your response to calls, and overall situational judgment. It is vastly different from the training Border Patrol agents receive.”

He added, “Border Patrol training, such as at the academy in Artesia, New Mexico, focuses on detecting people smuggling and illegal crossings in rugged terrain—rocks, canyons, deserts—not managing crowds in a city.”

Kerlikowske has watched video footage of clashes at a federal immigration enforcement facility in Broadview, a suburb west of Chicago, and described the scene as concerning.

“I didn’t hear any orders to disperse,” he explained. “Neither did the people protesting. What I saw was Border Patrol agents and other federal officers coming out of a fenced area and using what is called less lethal force, indiscriminately.”

When asked about the type of force used, Kerlikowske detailed,

“The majority of what I observed was the use of pepper balls. These are very hard plastic projectiles filled with oleoresin capsicum powder. When the plastic breaks, the powder disperses, causing eyes to water, coughing, and choking. Pepper balls are supposed to be fired at the ground, near walls, or at individuals trying to enter illegally. In Broadview, however, they were targeted directly at people—a completely unnecessary use of force.”

Kerlikowske also criticized the deployment of tear gas.

“Tear gas canisters don’t disperse people effectively. They can even be thrown back. There didn’t seem to be any strategic reason for their use. This is not how professional law enforcement, like the Illinois State Police, would operate,” he said.

The Border Patrol operation in Chicago is led by Commander Gregory Bovino, recently transferred from a district near California’s border with Mexico. Kerlikowske described the operation under Bovino’s leadership as uncoordinated.

“The agents move in a rag-tag, ambling fashion,” he said. “Orders such as ‘Light them up’ were given, allowing agents to strike people with pepper balls. I also saw instances where people were picked up and body-slammed to the concrete and then left unattended. In local police operations, this level of force would require arrests and formal use-of-force reporting.”

In comparison, Kerlikowske noted that Illinois State Police officers, deployed weeks later, demonstrated clear professionalism.

“They are disciplined, carry long batons for crowd control, and operate without masks,” he said. “Their presence communicates authority. People understand the boundaries and respect them. That’s how effective, professional law enforcement should look in urban environments.”

Kerlikowske’s observations have raised questions about the suitability of federal Border Patrol agents for urban immigration enforcement. Critics argue that deploying personnel trained for border operations to cities like Chicago risks unnecessary confrontations with residents and protesters.

As the lawsuit by the state of Illinois progresses, Kerlikowske’s testimony could play a key role in shaping public perception and policy regarding urban immigration enforcement. The debate continues over whether federal forces are adequately prepared for complex city policing.

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Chicago River Sees Unusual Border Patrol and Coast Guard Boat Presence

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On Thursday, September 25, 2025, the calm of the Chicago River was briefly disrupted by the sight of several armed Border Patrol boats cruising through the Loop. The unusual show of federal presence raised eyebrows and questions about the role of such patrols in a city river that rarely sees illegal crossings.

Story Highlights:

  • Four Border Patrol boats, fully staffed with armed agents, patrolled the Chicago River.

  • No incidents or illegal crossings were reported during the operation.

  • The Coast Guard maintains its station at Calumet Harbor and conducts occasional summer river patrols.

  • The Chicago Police marine unit routinely patrols Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and 27 miles of city shoreline.

  • Federal authorities have not publicly explained the purpose of Thursday’s patrol.

The sight of armed federal agents navigating the Chicago River on patrol boats created an unusual scene on Thursday morning. Social media buzzed with memes imagining unlikely scenarios—submarines delivering undocumented workers or barges full of medical technicians sneaking up the Illinois River—but the truth is far less theatrical.

A Coast Guard representative from Calumet Harbor confirmed, “We are still active and occasionally patrol the Chicago River in the summer. Our focus is primarily safety and routine checks, not immigration enforcement.”

The Coast Guard station remains just a short distance from local landmarks like Calumet Fisheries and Chicago’s unique Avenue J. Its twin 825-horsepower Detroit Diesel engines, paired with Rolls Royce waterjets, allow fast maneuvering without traditional propellers—though Thursday’s Border Patrol boats moved more slowly, emphasizing presence over speed.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Police Department marine unit continues its routine patrols across 80 square miles of Lake Michigan, 38 miles of the Chicago River, and 27 miles of shoreline. A recent incident demonstrated their role in public safety: a man jumped into the river from West Monroe Street, and officers rescued him along with a bystander who tried to intervene. Both were taken to Northwestern Medical Center.

On Thursday, however, the Border Patrol flotilla did not respond to any emergencies or make arrests. An official familiar with federal operations noted, “The Chicago River isn’t a typical entry point for undocumented immigration. These patrols are largely symbolic, showing federal presence in key urban waterways.”

Despite speculation, no threats were identified. Observers noted the irony of heavily armed boats navigating a river lined with kayaks, floating bars, and recreational traffic.

The operation raises broader questions about federal enforcement in local jurisdictions. While the Coast Guard and Chicago Police marine unit focus on public safety and emergency response, Border Patrol actions highlight the federal government’s interest in projecting authority—even in areas where enforcement need is minimal.

Experts note that Chicago’s river patrols are a complex coordination of agencies. “The Coast Guard maintains operational readiness, the police patrol daily, and federal agents occasionally make a presence,” explained a city security analyst. “It’s a reminder of overlapping jurisdictions in urban waterways, even when threats are limited.”

As the day ended, the Border Patrol boats departed without incident, leaving the Chicago River once again calm, and Chicagoans to wonder about the purpose and frequency of such patrols in the future.

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D.C. Police Raid Near Elementary School Sparks Mount Pleasant Outrage

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A usually calm residential block in Mount Pleasant, Washington, D.C., erupted in tension Wednesday morning when federal and local law enforcement officers carried out an arrest just blocks from Bancroft Elementary School. The arrest, part of an ATF-led operation targeting drug and firearm crimes, triggered protests from residents who accused authorities of instilling fear in a neighborhood already on edge over immigration enforcement.

It was the third day of a new school year at the bilingual public school, where more than 60 percent of students are Latino. The timing of the arrest amplified anxieties for parents and children walking to school.

Story Highlights

  • Where: Mount Pleasant, near Bancroft Elementary School, Washington, D.C.

  • What Happened: ATF and local police arrested a man accused of drug and firearm crimes.

  • Why It Matters: Residents fear immigration raids amid Trump’s law enforcement crackdown.

  • Community Reaction: Dozens protested, chanting “Shame on you” and demanding answers.

  • Police Response: Operation was routine; ICE presence described as a “distraction.”

A Morning of Chaos and Confrontation

The quiet of the Mount Pleasant block was shattered by flashing police cruisers, tactical gear, and officers in dark sunglasses. Some wore face coverings. Others carried rifles and riot shields.

Neighbors stepped out of their homes as the scene unfolded. Many began filming, others shouted for police to leave. Dozens joined in a loud chant:
“Shame on you! Shame on you!”

Among those demanding answers was Aaron Goldstein, a longtime resident and father who had just dropped off his third-grade daughter at Bancroft.

Approaching two officers, Goldstein asked:
“Can you tell me why you couldn’t do this at 10:30 or 9:30, and why you had to terrorize the children in our neighborhood?”

The officers, wearing tactical vests and sunglasses against the morning sun, said nothing and turned their gazes away.

Why the Neighborhood Is on Edge

This incident occurred during the summer of President Donald Trump’s federal law-enforcement intervention in Washington, D.C. — a season marked by heightened police presence and fears of immigration raids.

Community members had already begun escorting children to school in groups, fearing sudden arrests or immigration actions. The presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents near the scene fueled those concerns.

“People are on Signal chats and they’re absolutely terrified, and everyone is following this,” said Goldstein, 55.
“It’s distressful. We feel invaded, and it’s really terrible.”

What Police Say About the Operation

The man arrested was suspected of drug dealing and firearm offenses, according to law enforcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the operation with support from Metropolitan Police Department officers.

Later, Sgt. Michael Millsaps of the Metropolitan Police spoke candidly with residents in an impromptu conversation:
“This is just me talking to community members,” Millsaps said, leaning against a police cruiser.

He explained:
“We were serving a warrant on a suspected drug dealer. We found narcotics and an illegal firearm.”

When asked about ICE’s involvement, Millsaps admitted it was a tactical move:
“The immigration folks were parked over there to get y’all to leave us alone,” he said.

ICE officials did not immediately comment.

Voices from the Community

For residents, the timing and the show of force were unacceptable. Nancy Petrovic, a lifelong Mount Pleasant resident, said she was alarmed when she saw the street lined with police cars shortly after 8 a.m.

“Kids are going to school — they’re walking to school — and it’s frightening to them and their parents,” Petrovic said.
“We want them to go away.”

Goldstein echoed that sentiment, describing the neighborhood as a “peaceful mix of white professionals and migrant neighbors, with a lot of love in it.”

“To see this level of policing in front of a school — it feels like a violation,” he said.

Police Chief and Mayor Respond

At a later press briefing, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed that the incident drew a “significant number of protesters” but emphasized that the situation remained under control.
“We were able to maintain calm,” Smith said.

Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged the rising unease:
“I know there’s a lot of anxiety in the District.”

A City Divided on Policing

While Mount Pleasant residents expressed anger and fear, Sgt. Millsaps noted that in other parts of the city, particularly east of the Anacostia River, the response is different.
“I go on the other side of the river now, it’s the opposite. People come outside and thank us,” he said.

For Mount Pleasant, however, the sense of mistrust appears to be growing.
“We feel unsafe now,” said one parent quietly as she led her child past the lingering police presence.

The Mount Pleasant arrest highlights the fragile balance between law enforcement operations and community trust in Washington, D.C. What police described as a routine ATF-led warrant escalated into a neighborhood standoff, fueled by heightened fears of immigration enforcement and the political tension surrounding President Donald Trump’s federal crackdown.

As children walked to Bancroft Elementary School, residents witnessed a show of force that many felt unnecessary and deeply unsettling. While authorities insist such operations are standard, the reaction on the streets suggests a growing divide over what safety means in the nation’s capital.

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Federal Law Clashes with D.C. Weed Rules in Surprise Park Arrests

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A sudden series of arrests in Washington D.C.’s Dupont and Logan Circles has reignited public confusion over marijuana enforcement on federal land. While marijuana possession is legal in the city, smoking it in public — especially on federally managed grounds — remains a punishable offense. On July 22, U.S. Park Police detained four individuals for public marijuana use and open alcohol containers, sparking sharp reactions both online and on the streets. The dramatic crackdown under a federal executive order has left residents questioning how legal lines are drawn — and who pays the price.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Four arrested in Dupont and Logan Circles by U.S. Park Police

  • Charges included public marijuana use and open alcohol containers

  • Federal law applies in these parks, overriding D.C. marijuana laws

  • One person had an active burglary warrant

  • Enforcement linked to Executive Order 14252, signed by Donald Trump

  • Viral TikTok video reignites concerns about over-policing in public spaces

A wave of frustration, confusion, and debate has swept through Washington, D.C., following a series of arrests in two of its most well-known public spaces — Dupont Circle and Logan Circle. Though situated at the heart of the nation’s capital, these seemingly open and peaceful parks are now at the center of a legal gray area that few residents fully understood — until now.

On Tuesday, July 22, four individuals were arrested in the two federally managed circles, sparking outrage both on the ground and online. The U.S. Park Police (USPP) confirmed the arrests stemmed from violations involving open containers of alcohol and the public consumption of marijuana — actions that, while not unusual for an urban park setting, take on a different legal tone when federal jurisdiction is involved.

What’s left many residents surprised is not just the enforcement, but the setting. While marijuana possession — up to two ounces — has been legal for adults over 21 in D.C. since 2015, the use of marijuana in public places remains prohibited under both city and federal law. And in the case of Dupont and Logan Circles, federal rules win out.

Social media intensified the spotlight after a video posted by TikTok user “MaiFlower” showed officers emerging from an unmarked vehicle in Dupont Circle, surrounding a seated man, and placing him in handcuffs. The arrest appeared sudden and disorienting for onlookers, many of whom were unaware that such action was still legally permissible in the area.

“These are the three cops, Park Police. I’ve never seen them here before in my life,” the TikTok user commented in the video. Moments later, she added, “We literally live in 1984.”

Another D.C. resident, Q Chaghtai, who happened to be nearby at the time of the incident, recalled what he saw unfold.

“They came up behind this guy who was just sitting there. His back was towards them,” Chaghtai explained. “They began to search his things without much warning. Everyone started watching because it all felt very sudden and jarring.”

According to USPP, three of the four individuals were arrested for possessing open alcohol containers in the public space. The fourth — the man allegedly smoking marijuana — was taken into custody under federal statutes. It was later determined that one of the arrestees also had an outstanding warrant for burglary.

In a statement provided to local outlet 7News, the U.S. Park Police said the arrests were carried out as part of their enforcement of Executive Order 14252, titled “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful.” Signed by former President Donald Trump, the executive order tasks federal law enforcement agencies with conducting proactive patrols across federally owned land in and around D.C. The USPP stated that these efforts aim to address “ongoing community concerns.”

While the order’s language emphasizes community safety and beautification, some residents are questioning what that looks like in practice — especially when enforcement appears to target individuals in otherwise peaceful settings.

“Increased police presence is not necessarily a negative thing,” said Chaghtai. “But I think when you are targeting citizens who are really minding their own business and kind of just sitting there, I think that’s really alarming.”

The recent arrests come amid growing confusion about overlapping legal jurisdictions in D.C., where local and federal laws often conflict. In 2023 alone, there were 351 marijuana-related arrests in the city — 296 for possession and 55 linked to illegal distribution. However, data on how many were specifically for public consumption remains unavailable.

Moreover, since March 2025, the U.S. Park Police report making 468 arrests across the Washington Metropolitan Area — which includes D.C., Virginia, and Maryland — under the enforcement framework laid out by Executive Order 14252.

For many D.C. residents, the realization that casually smoking marijuana or drinking in parks like Dupont and Logan Circles could lead to arrest has come as a surprise — and a warning. These are public areas used daily by thousands for everything from lunch breaks to protests to moments of quiet relaxation. But the recent arrests suggest that not all areas of the city are governed equally.

As these parks fall under the National Park Service, which operates under federal authority, they are exempt from D.C.’s more progressive marijuana policies. It’s a detail that even long-time residents admit they never fully realized until this week’s incident.

The conversation continues to ripple across the city — and online. Some citizens are defending the need for stricter enforcement to preserve safety and order in public areas. Others are calling for a more transparent and balanced approach, one that doesn’t criminalize behavior that would otherwise be considered minor in nearby non-federal spaces.

For now, one thing remains clear: the divide between federal and local law in Washington, D.C. is not just a technicality — it has very real consequences.

The recent arrests in Dupont and Logan Circles have cast a sharp light on the complex overlap between local freedoms and federal authority in the nation’s capital. As residents navigate a city where the law shifts with jurisdiction, the incident has sparked broader questions about fairness, clarity, and enforcement. While officials stand by the crackdown under federal mandates, the unfolding reactions reveal a city caught between its evolving identity and the enduring grip of federal control — leaving many to wonder where personal liberty truly begins, and where it ends.

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