A stunning federal court decision has thrown the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown into chaos after a Biden-appointed judge ordered the release of more than 600 detainees swept up in Illinois during “Operation Midway Blitz.”
Judge Jeffrey Cummings sided with the ACLU and National Immigrant Justice Center, ruling that 615 migrants must be granted bond by November 21 — even though many are scattered across the country and not easily located.
Government attorneys argue the order violates public safety, with DHS blasting the decision as reckless and dangerous.
ICE officials warn that thousands detained between June and October may have been arrested lawfully, while activists allege widespread warrantless enforcement.
The fallout has intensified after another Biden-appointed judge freed a Chicago daycare teacher whose arrest sparked outrage. With more than 3,000 migrants detained in the operation — and over a thousand reported to have already left the U.S. — the ruling adds fuel to the national battle over immigration, public safety, and judicial authority. As ICE vows to continue operations in Chicago, the Trump administration is expected to appeal the judge’s explosive order.
