Push grows for special prosecutor after immigration raid in Chicago

Civil rights groups demand independent review of federal agents' actions during "Operation Midway Blitz"

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:23pm

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A coalition led by civil rights law firm Loevy and Loevy has asked a Cook County judge to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate federal agents after a large immigration operation in Chicago last fall. The petition accuses agents of assaulting civilians, clergy and reporters, illegally detaining an elected official, using tear gas in residential areas, and shooting several people, resulting in at least one death. Nearly 250 officials, faith leaders and community groups have signed the request for an outside review.

Why it matters

This case could affect who investigates potential crimes involving federal agents in Cook County and set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. Legal experts say it is rare to request a special prosecutor to probe federal law enforcement, and any criminal charges tied to immigration enforcement could face tough legal battles.

The details

The coalition, led by civil rights law firm Loevy and Loevy, made the announcement at Federal Plaza in Chicago. They said the request focuses on claims of excessive force during what federal officials called "Operation Midway Blitz", a large immigration enforcement operation that led to protests and a heavy law enforcement presence in several neighborhoods. The petition alleges that agents assaulted peaceful civilians, members of the clergy and reporters, illegally detained an elected official and others, used tear gas in residential areas, and shot several people, resulting in at least one death.

  • The immigration operation, dubbed "Operation Midway Blitz", took place in Chicago last fall.
  • The coalition filed the request for a special prosecutor on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Loevy and Loevy

A civil rights law firm leading the coalition that requested a special prosecutor.

Eileen O'Neill Burke

The Cook County State's Attorney, who opposes the request for a special prosecutor and has outlined new steps for her office to review and charge cases involving federal agents.

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What’s next

The chief judge of the Criminal Division will decide whether to appoint a special prosecutor. If the judge agrees, an outside prosecutor would review the evidence and decide if charges should be filed. If the judge says no, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office will handle any possible cases.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension between local and federal law enforcement, as well as the challenges of holding federal agents accountable for their actions, especially in the context of immigration enforcement. The outcome could set an important precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.