Beginning on Sunday, squads of militarized Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents paraded through the River North area of Chicago. The agents were dressed in military gear and carried assault rifles. It is estimated there are over 300 agents in total with each squad numbering about 30 personnel continuing to patrol the area.
Commander-at-large Gregory Bovino said their presence and purpose is to “capture violent illegals such as Tren De Aragua gang members.”
The problem with his claim is there are very little if any Tren De Aragua gang members anywhere in Chicago, particularly along the river and downtown area. A Sun-Times investigation found that zero members of that gang have been found in Chicago and zero have been arrested by ICE agents or Chicago Police. A few detainees over the past year are suspected to have some affiliation based solely on tattoos.
The Trump administration has cut funding for efforts which study and track membership in groups such as this gang. In 2024, it was estimated there are only a few hundred actual Tren De Aragua in all of the continental United States.
The agents patrolling downtown did take several families into custody. They are pulling people based on “how they look” as stated by Bovino. The agents also chased after a bicycle rider on foot who shouted his opposition to their presence. The bicyclist managed to pedal away.
What would make sense and actually reduce crime would be to restore funding for anti-violence programs which have a proven record of success. Sending more ATF agents to assist Chicago Police gang interdiction efforts would similarly be useful.
Militarized ICE agents marching through River North is a waste of resources if reducing crime is the actual the goal.