Gregory Bovino, a top U.S. Customs and Border Protection official, announced on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, that his team has started arrests in Chicago.
This move escalates President Donald Trump’s efforts to target undocumented immigrants in the city’s large population. Local leaders have criticized the actions as more about publicity than real safety gains.
Bovino’s Social Media Update
In a video posted online, Bovino shared scenes of Chicago with upbeat music. He promised to extend his Los Angeles crackdown by detaining “criminal illegal aliens.”
“We’re already going hard this morning! Many arrests,” he declared. This signals a strong push in the third-largest U.S. city.
DHS Operation Details
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched the Chicago operation last week. It aims to remove criminals among immigrants without legal status.
Officials blame “sanctuary” laws in the city and state for limiting federal-local cooperation. The focus is on serious offenders to boost public safety.
Criticism from State Officials
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s office slammed Bovino’s approach. Spokesman Matt Hill posted on X, “As the federal operation starts, they skip calling the Governor but find time for a TikTok video of Chicago’s scenery.”
He called Bovino “not a serious individual but a wannabe social media star.” Pritzker had noted Bovino’s lead role in Illinois efforts.
Noem Joins the Effort
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed her presence in Chicago. On X, she stated, “Just this morning, DHS took violent offenders off the streets with arrests for assault, DUI, and felony stalking.” Her involvement highlights the administration’s commitment to the initiative.
Background on Bovino’s Role
Bovino, a senior Border Patrol leader, served as at-large commander under Trump. He directed the Los Angeles immigration enforcement, which involved neighborhood sweeps and checks at Home Depot lots.
A federal judge halted the patrols in July over racial profiling claims. The Supreme Court lifted that block earlier this month, allowing them to continue.
Bovino’s Prior Experience
Before his current post, Bovino was chief patrol agent in California’s El Centro Sector near Mexico. There, he gained notice for polished social media videos showcasing Border Patrol work in the remote area.
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