Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino back in Chicago as immigration enforcement continues

Federal agents spotted in Chicago area after Bovino's return

Greg Bovino, the federal Border Patrol commander, is back in Illinois and with new agents on the streets. 

CHICAGO - A top federal immigration official was back in Chicago on Tuesday as agents continued the Trump administration's increased enforcement.

What we know:

In an unrelated press conference, Gov. JB Pritzker confirmed the news that Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino had returned to the city.

Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino | Getty Images

Bovino was seen this morning near 33rd Street and Ridgeway Avenue on Chicago's Southwest Side, where agents in tactical gear were spotted detaining a man near a white SUV.

Bovino arrived in the Chicago area in September amid Operation Midway Blitz, which has yielded thousands of arrests and fueled fear among immigrant communities. The operation has become known for its aggressive tactics, including the use of chemical munitions and car chases. Since the operation began, federal agents deployed tear gas in neighborhood streets, hit protesters and journalists with pepper balls and shot at least two people, killing one.

Bovino left Chicago in November to lead immigration operations in New Orleans and North Carolina. While immigration operations had continued in Chicago, they were noticeably subdued with fewer tense confrontations, and Tuesday's enforcements were among the most visible since Bovino left town.

It’s believed Bovino returned this week with as many as 200 agents.

What they're saying:

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement on Bovino’s return, saying:

"As we said a month ago, we aren’t leaving Chicago and operations are ongoing. Operation Midway Blitz is achieving what Chicago’s sanctuary politicians have refused to do for decades: decrease crime and remove the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens who put the American people in danger."

Pritzker complained that he was not given notice that Bovino and additional Border Patrol agents were returning. And he said he doesn’t know how long they’ll stay.

Pritzker also called on Bovino to testify in front of an Illinois commission created in October to document misconduct by federal agents.

"I’m so proud of the people of Illinois, for doing as they have, which is to protect their neighborhoods and their neighbors, to do the right thing," Pritzker said Tuesday. "And so, I think we’re in a much better position."

At an afternoon news conference, activists vowed to continue supporting immigrant communities in the Chicago area. Advocates said 15 people, including day laborers and a tamale vendor, were detained Tuesday on the city's Southwest side and in suburban Berwyn and Cicero.

"We are tired but we are not weary," said Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva. "... Every single time that they come, we are going to show up."

Victor Rodriguez II, a lifelong resident of Little Village, said he helped a woman when her husband was detained after a "caravan of masked agents began terrorizing our community," including using pepper balls in neighborhood streets. Rodriguez accused Bovino of "targeted political theater."

Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, said Border Patrol agents questioned striking laborers on Chicago's Southwest side and accused Bovino of "coming to our picket line to chill union activity."

"We have seen the first act of this political theater they have brought," he said. "Now it’s the second act, and we’re ready."

The immigration enforcement push under the Trump administration has reportedly resulted in more than 4,000 arrests in the Chicago area.