Trump Reports Drop in Chicago Crime Due to Operation Midway Blitz

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that there has been a significant drop in violent crime in Chicago since the initiation of a federal operation dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz.” He attributed this reduction to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts, claiming a decrease in shootings, robberies, and carjackings across the city.

His statement mentioned that, since the operation’s launch a few weeks back, shootings decreased by 35%, robberies by 41%, and carjackings almost by half.

“This was achieved despite considerable pushback from radical Democratic leaders in Chicago and Illinois,” Trump stated.

This marks Trump’s first public update on the initiative since late October, when DHS reported nine arrests, including three undocumented immigrants, following what was described as “one of the most violent days” in the area.

During planned raids in Cicero Heights and Glendale Heights on October 22, DHS agents faced assaults and vehicle collisions, as noted in a Pentagon statement.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin referred to that day as “one of the most violent days ever,” confirming one staff member’s injury and damage to several patrol units.

The raids aimed to target violent offenders and previously deported individuals with criminal histories.

The operation was named after Katie Abraham, a Chicago-area resident who lost her life in a hit-and-run by a suspected illegal immigrant in September.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem explained that Operation Midway Blitz is part of a larger effort to address “criminal illegal aliens terrorizing Americans in the sanctuary of Illinois,” adding that anyone who assaults staff would face the fullest legal repercussions.

Trump’s remarks also heightened tensions between Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who have both expressed opposition to extensive immigration raids.

The president accused them of hindering enforcement and “promoting violent resistance against ICE officers.”

Additionally, Trump stated that the next phase of Operation Midway would involve a “full mobilization” of federal resources to both Chicago and Memphis, asserting that initial efforts have already shown positive results.

“These numbers will continue to diminish as we deploy more assets,” he declared on Tuesday.

The offices of the Illinois governor and Chicago mayor did not provide prompt responses to requests for comments.

The White House has instructed responses to the president’s remarks on Truth Social to be directed to FOX News Digital.