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Illinois v. Department of Homeland Security

No. 1:26-cv-00321 District · Active Active
Court
N.D. Ill.
ilnd
Judge
Sara L. Ellis 44
Filed
Jan 12, 2026
Judge (CL)
Sara L. Ellis 44
Filed (CL)
Jan 12, 2026
CL Status
active

Case Overview

The state of Illinois and city of Chicago sued the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and Border Patrol over the increase in deployment of federal immigration enforcement agents from numerous agencies "Operation Midway Blitz."


The Application

History

Illinois and Chicago allege that Operation Midway Blitz represents an unlawful deployment of DHS, ICE, and Border Patrol agents that either exceeds statutory authority or lacks procedural compliance. The government contends immigration enforcement falls exclusively within federal jurisdiction and plaintiffs lack standing to challenge it.

The Conclusion

The case is active before Judge Sara L. Ellis in the Northern District of Illinois. No final ruling has issued; the legality of Operation Midway Blitz remains pending determination.

Federal Court TMR-b05d1d9d Operation Midway Blitz Jul 11, 2026

Case Analysis

Overview

The state of Illinois and city of Chicago sued the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and Border Patrol over the increase in deployment of federal immigration enforcement agents from numerous agencies "Operation Midway Blitz."

Issue

Whether the federal government may conduct large-scale immigration enforcement operations under Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois without complying with applicable statutory procedures or exceeding its delegated authority.

Rule

Immigration enforcement is a federal function under the Supremacy Clause, but federal agencies must act within their statutory mandate and comply with the Administrative Procedure Act. States may challenge federal actions that exceed legal authority or procedural requirements.

Analysis

Illinois and Chicago allege that Operation Midway Blitz represents an unlawful deployment of DHS, ICE, and Border Patrol agents that either exceeds statutory authority or lacks procedural compliance. The government contends immigration enforcement falls exclusively within federal jurisdiction and plaintiffs lack standing to challenge it.

Conclusion

The case is active before Judge Sara L. Ellis in the Northern District of Illinois. No final ruling has issued; the legality of Operation Midway Blitz remains pending determination.

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