Illinois’ new accountability web form collects accounts of potential federal misconduct
The Illinois Accountability Commission on Thursday made it easier for residents to share information about possible misconduct by federal agents with the launch of a web form that allows people to submit videos, written accounts or other information.
The effort comes after a recent Department of Homeland Security operation in Chicago known as Operation Midway Blitz, aimed at arresting illegal immigrants and cracking down on sanctuary cities.
The pilot aims to provide people unable to attend public hearings a way to share their experiences on record. Anyone who witnesses potential misconduct by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection agents can submit information.
“As the Trump Administration continues its attacks on immigrant communities and peaceful
protesters, Illinois refuses to let these egregious abuses of power by ICE and CBP go unchecked,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a press release. “I urge Illinoisans affected by potential misconduct to help expose the federal government’s lies about Operation Midway Blitz.”
The governor added that the state will collect “photos, videos, and other information from our communities as we seek justice and call for Donald Trump, [Department of Homeland Security Secretary] Kristi Noem, and [Border Patrol head] Gregory Bovino to be held accountable.”
According to the accountability commission, Operation Midway Blitz involved federal agents arresting hundreds of people without warrants, using chemical irritants on protesters and bystanders and creating chaos in neighborhoods.
At a public meeting last month, Ruben Castillo, who chairs the state commission, expressed shock and dismay at the tactics of federal agents during the September arrests.
“I never thought we would see federal agents terrorizing everyday people in Chicago and across Illinois in the name of enforcing laws,” Castillo said during the meeting.
DHS has maintained that Operation Midway Blitz reduced crime and “removed criminal illegal aliens.” The Department stated in November that the operation “achieved what Chicago’s sanctuary politicians have failed to do for decades.”
Castillo said the goal of the new pilot submission process is to protect those who come forward and to preserve the truth.
“This pilot process advances our larger strategic goal, which is establishing an undeniable, permanent record of accountability that transcends changing administrations and creating consequences for those who violate law,” Castillo said in the release.
