City of Chicago Encourages Individuals Identified in the Illinois Accountability Commission Report to Come Forward as an Independent Review Moves Forward

Source: This report is based on an official public release from Chicago Mayor. PULSE organizes and summarizes public government communications. Read the original release →

CHICAGO — Today, City officials are encouraging individuals whose experiences are described in the Illinois Accountability Commission's report on Operation Midway Blitz—and anyone else who believes they witnessed or experienced unlawful conduct during federal immigration enforcement operations in Chicago—to participate and provide information to the Chicago Police Department as the Department reviews the findings contained in the report. 

“The courage it takes to come forward after experiencing trauma at the hands of your own government cannot be overstated,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Many people have understandable reasons to hesitate.

They may fear retaliation, they may believe their voice will not matter, or they may simply want to move on from painful experiences.

But accountability begins with people who are willing to tell the truth about what happened. If you experienced or witnessed unlawful conduct, I encourage you to come forward. Your voice matters.

Your experience matters.

And your willingness to be heard can help ensure that everyone—regardless of their position or authority—is accountable under the law.” 

The IAC has provided its completed report to CPD, and the Department is reviewing its findings. Individuals whose experiences are described in the Commission's report—or anyone else who witnessed or experienced unlawful conduct during Operation Midway Blitz or other federal immigration enforcement operations—are encouraged to complete an information report and provide any relevant evidence to CPD. 

We encourage anyone who believes they were harmed to come forward, file a first-person complaint, and provide any evidence they may have.  

“Our members are trained to document facts and preserve evidence effectively, just as we do with all investigations,” said Interim CPD Superintendent Fred Waller. “Community assistance is essential to ensuring that every reported incident is fully evaluated.”   

The IAC documented allegations lodged by residents, advocates, legal observers, and community members concerning Operation Midway Blitz and asked law enforcement agencies to review its findings. CPD's review is independent and will evaluate all available evidence—including any additional information provided by members of the public—to determine whether additional investigation or referrals are warranted under Illinois law. 

Mayor Johnson's “ICE On Notice” Executive Order clarified that CPD will accept reports alleging violations of state or local criminal law by federal officials. CPD has been prepared to receive those reports since the Executive Order took effect, and residents have never been required to wait for additional administrative processes before filing a report. 

Residents may visit any CPD district station to file an information report or call 311 to begin the reporting process.

Community members who possess photographs, videos, or other evidence are asked to bring that evidence in person to any CPD district station, where it can be properly documented, preserved, and incorporated into the Department's review. 

The City recognizes that recounting traumatic experiences can be difficult.

Every report received will help ensure the historical record is as complete as possible, and that allegations of unlawful conduct are evaluated based on all available evidence.