President Donald Trump has declared a significant win in Chicago, boasting that tough federal enforcement has caused crime to plummet, despite the determined opposition from Democratic Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, Fox News reports. In a Tuesday night Truth Social post, Trump highlighted that, since launching “Operation Midway Blitz” with the Department of Homeland Security, Chicago has seen a substantial drop in crime across the board, including a reported 35% decrease in shootings, a 41% reduction in robberies, and carjackings down nearly 50%.
Trump emphasized that these results came with just an initial deployment of federal agents and promised even greater reductions in crime as resources are increased. He argued that all this progress was made in the face of obstruction from local leadership and noted violent opposition from some far-left activists, who have reportedly assaulted and threatened federal personnel. According to the Department of Homeland Security, assaults and attempts to obstruct law enforcement operations have been on the rise, putting federal agents in serious danger as they work to restore order.
Operation Midway Blitz began in September, sending federal officers—from ICE, Border Patrol, and other agencies—into Chicago. Thousands of illegal immigrants with criminal records or gang ties have been apprehended, but the operation has faced fierce resistance not only from city and state officials but also from segments of the public. Recent confrontations have included activists physically blocking ICE vehicles, ramming law enforcement, and even firing on agents, with one illegal immigrant recently arrested for a shooting in the Little Village neighborhood.
Governor Pritzker has criticized the federal enforcement push, accusing agents of using heavy-handed tactics and failing to make Chicago safer. He mocked agents posing for photos at city landmarks while “children are tear gassed and U.S. citizens detained,” suggesting that the operation was more about optics than public safety. Mayor Johnson, meanwhile, issued an executive order creating “ICE-free zones,” banning city facilities from being used to facilitate immigration enforcement. These policies reflect a persistent unwillingness among some progressive leaders to cooperate with federal law enforcement, despite growing public concerns about crime and safety.
The results so far suggest a clear contrast: while Democratic leaders resist and criticize federal enforcement efforts, Trump’s approach appears to be delivering tangible safety improvements for the city.