Operation Midway Blitz fallout lingers in Latino neighborhoods

Federal immigration enforcement campaign created fear, uncertainty and community pride in Pilsen, Little Village and the Southeast Side

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Trump administration's Operation Midway Blitz, a federal immigration enforcement campaign that began on Mexican Independence Day in September 2025, disrupted daily life and created fear across Chicago's majority-Latino neighborhoods like Pilsen, Little Village and the Southeast Side. While the influx of federal agents has ended, the aftermath continues to affect these communities, with residents remaining vigilant, businesses struggling, and families grappling with trauma and uncertainty.

Why it matters

The Latino and immigrant-majority neighborhoods of Pilsen, Little Village and the Southeast Side have developed distinct cultural identities over generations, shaped by migration, labor and displacement. Operation Midway Blitz created a shared moment of fear and uncertainty that has left a lasting impact on these communities, raising questions about the long-term effects of aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics on local residents.

The details

Federal immigration agents targeted Latino and immigrant-majority neighborhoods during Operation Midway Blitz, with some agents making comments about how people "look" when making arrests. The aggressive tactics, including the detention of non-violent immigrants, disrupted daily life, with residents fearing going outside, businesses seeing steep declines in sales, and community events being canceled. Critics pointed to the operation's violent tactics and unconstitutional detentions, while supporters claimed it was targeting violent criminals.

  • Operation Midway Blitz began on September 16, 2025, Mexican Independence Day.
  • In November 2025, dozens of Border Patrol agents posed in front of The Bean sculpture in downtown Chicago, shouting "Little Village!" as they prepared to take a photo.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.