Earlier this week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed airspace restrictions over Chicago at the request of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) due to ongoing immigrant raids in the city.
The restrictions are set to stay in place until October 12 for unspecified “special security reasons.” To operate drones or other aircraft in this area, individuals must obtain a special waiver from the government. Violating these restrictions could lead to serious consequences, including potential property damage risks.
A spokesman for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicated that these measures were initiated after the agency identified a “reliable threat” involving small unmanned aerial vehicles aimed at law enforcement during what’s being referred to as the Midway Blitz.
The Midway Blitz, led by the DHS, focused on apprehending and deporting undocumented immigrants in the Chicago vicinity. Hundreds have reportedly been arrested since the raids began in early September. Local residents shared their experiences, reporting that individuals—men, women, and even children—were taken from their homes, sometimes in distressing circumstances.
Governor JB Pritzker has stated that 100 Illinois State Guard troops are being deployed across the state in response to these events. Amid growing concerns, he urged the public to document encounters with the military for transparency.
However, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has raised alarms that these FAA restrictions could hinder journalists and residents from documenting the situation. They expressed that the FAA’s “Temporary Flight Restrictions” coincide suspiciously with invasive immigration raids, suggesting that the intention might not be solely about safety, but to curb oversight and accountability.
Encompassing over 935 square miles, these restrictions follow a similar notice in Portland, Oregon, where the military is also being deployed. There’s a growing concern that this might be a way to monopolize airspace for increased government surveillance.
