Evanston Launching Investigation Into ICE Conduct During Operation Midway Blitz

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston is asking the Cook County State's Attorney's Office Law Enforcement Review Unit for guidance in its investigation into federal agents' actions during "Operation Midway Blitz" in 2025, according to a statement from Mayor Daniel Biss.

The request follows months of investigation by the Evanston Police Department and the release of a state commission report that examined what happened in Evanston, Biss said.

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Biss described last Halloween as one of the most traumatic days the community has experienced. He said federal agents, "mostly from U.S. Customs and Border Protection," spent hours in Evanston, caused a car crash near Oakton and Asbury, beat and pepper-sprayed bystanders, pointed guns at residents, and detained people for hours.

Last year, the Evanston Police Department opened an investigation almost immediately after the events. The FBI later opened its own investigation and intended to use Evanston police case materials.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order in late October creating the Illinois Accountability Commission to investigate the conduct of federal agents during "Operation Midway Blitz" and consider policy recommendations.

On April 30, the commission released its final report, analyzing the events that took place in Evanston and described the actions of federal agents Timothy Donahue, Thomas Parsons and Edward Maxa as a "brutal attack…without apparent justification" and alleged the agents used "excessive force." The report concluded that "[b]ased on the information it has gathered, the Commission has determined that there is reasonable cause to believe that federal agents should be formally investigated for possible violations of agency policy, state and federal criminal laws, and individuals' constitutional rights."

That is why Police Chief Schenita Stewart submitted a formal request for guidance to the Law Enforcement Review Unit regarding the actions of federal agents.

"Here's the challenge: the Evanston Police can formally investigate this – they have," Biss said. "But embedded in that investigation lies a thorny legal question: what happens when conduct that would ordinarily constitute a prosecutable assault is perpetrated by a federal agent purportedly carrying out a law enforcement function?"

The Law Enforcement Review Unit is staffed by veteran prosecutors who investigate law enforcement officers accused of criminal conduct and decide whether to bring charges.

People with evidence, including photos, recordings or testimony, are being asked to share it with LERU.