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Immigration Raids Target Chicago’s Swap-O-Rama as Cook County Restricts Federal Access to County Sites

The operation, identified as "Operation Midway Blitz," rattled vendors and bystanders with the number of people detained still unconfirmed.

Overview

  • About 15 people were detained at the Swap-O-Rama flea market at 4100 S. Ashland Ave., according to Ald. Julia Ramirez, who later cited roughly 30 detentions across the neighborhood.
  • ABC7 reported federal agents also detained several demonstrators near a BP at West 47th Street and South Western Avenue on the Southwest Side.
  • Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle signed an executive order barring federal authorities from using county property for immigration enforcement preparation or action.
  • Videos from vendors and customers showed agents entering the market, moving quickly toward individuals as people demanded to see a warrant.
  • Protesters later gathered along Ashland Avenue, criticizing market management as some vendors said they were previously assured agents would not be allowed onto the property.