Judge Orders Release of Dozens Illegally Detained by ICE in Chicago

Federal judge finds ICE violated consent decree in 'Operation Midway Blitz' arrests

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A federal judge has ordered the release of dozens of immigrants detained by ICE agents without warrants or probable cause during 'Operation Midway Blitz' in Chicago last fall. The judge found that ICE violated a consent decree that governs its actions in Illinois and several other Midwestern states.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns over ICE's use of warrantless arrests and the agency's compliance with court-ordered consent decrees that aim to protect immigrants' rights. The judge's ruling raises questions about ICE's arrest procedures and the authenticity of the documents used to justify detentions.

The details

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings individually reviewed the details of 53 arrests made during 'Operation Midway Blitz' and ordered the release of 32 people by March 5. The judge found that in many cases, ICE agents used blank 'I-200' warrants that lacked key information or contained factual inaccuracies. In one case, video evidence contradicted the government's claim that a 61-year-old man attempted to flee from agents.

  • On Friday, February 28, 2026, the judge ordered the release of dozens of immigrants detained by ICE.
  • The judge ordered the release of 32 people by noon on March 5, 2026.
  • The judge said he would issue a later order regarding 5 more cases that required further consideration.

The players

Jeffrey Cummings

A U.S. District Judge who ordered the release of dozens of immigrants detained by ICE without warrants or probable cause.

Mark Fleming

A National Immigrant Justice Center attorney representing the plaintiffs in the case.

James Walker

The lead government attorney who apologized to the judge for a misunderstanding regarding the scope of the consent decree policy.

Todd Lyons

The ICE Director who issued a policy that reduces the information required to make a warrantless arrest, contradicting the judge's order.

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What they’re saying

“And so that is why I asked for the body cam for the one individual that they alleged attempted to flee in his vehicle because, frankly, they can't be trusted. What they wrote is not trustworthy.”

— Mark Fleming, National Immigrant Justice Center attorney

“Is it your practice to violate orders of a federal court? Did you think I wouldn't notice that you put this language in here? Did you think I wouldn't care?”

— Jeffrey Cummings, U.S. District Judge

What’s next

The judge has asked the plaintiffs' counsel to prepare a reply to the government's motion by March 3, and for the defendants to file a reply by March 6. The judge will then issue a final ruling on the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and the rights of immigrants, as well as the importance of judicial oversight and adherence to consent decrees that aim to protect vulnerable populations from unlawful detention.