The NPR Politics Podcast Hundreds Of Immigrants Arrested In Chicago Lack Criminal Records
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Nov 19, 2025 Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, an NPR immigration correspondent, dives into the dramatic enforcement tactics in Chicago, including helicopter raids and mass arrests of over 600 immigrants, almost all of whom have no criminal records. He discusses the staggering details of U.S. citizens detained amid these operations and the troubling political motivations behind such aggressive actions. Sergio also highlights the looming fears in communities and the risk of eroding trust between immigrants and local law enforcement as similar strategies roll out in Charlotte.
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Dramatic Chicago Raid With Helicopter
- Sergio Martínez-Beltrán described a dramatic September raid in Chicago with a Black Hawk helicopter and masked agents rappelling down a building.
- More than 30 people were arrested that day and only two had alleged ties to criminal gangs, per DHS reporting mentioned in the segment.
Most Arrested In Sample Had No Criminal Records
- NPR obtained a Justice Department list of 614 people arrested during Operation Midway Blitz and found 97% had no criminal record.
- Only four had convictions and none involved murder or rape, contradicting administration claims of targeting "the worst of the worst."
U.S. Citizens Also Briefly Detained
- Sergio said U.S. citizens, including an Air Force veteran, were handcuffed and briefly detained during some operations.
- He also cited ProPublica reporting of at least 170 U.S. citizens detained or arrested in related operations.