Wed Sep 10 19:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Illinois Coalition Responds to ICE Raids, Sparks Debate
**ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) -** Following the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement of “Operation Midway Blitz,” targeting undocumented immigrants in Illinois, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is ramping up its rapid response efforts.
ICIRR, led by Communications Director Brandon Lee, coordinates a statewide network of rapid response teams, including a recently launched effort in Rockford, designed to monitor ICE activity and provide resources to immigrant communities. These teams operate by responding to tips from community members, confirming ICE activity, and alerting local communities through social media.
“Having the statewide network to watch out for different types of enforcement, to look out for our neighbors, is important at this time,” said Lee, emphasizing the importance of documentation and connecting families with legal aid. “We know that they [ICE] try to move quickly to prevent people from accessing attorneys, so we try to be rapid in our follow-up with families to make sure that they have representation, they know where their loved ones are.”
However, these rapid response teams have drawn criticism. State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) views the groups as counterproductive and potentially illegal.
“There is a faction of people that want to protect illegal immigrants,” Chesney stated. “If you are allowing and providing resources for lawbreakers, I view that as an illegal action.” He suggested team members could be considered accessories to crimes.
Lee countered Chesney’s claims, insisting that ICIRR teams operate within the law and focus on providing resources and documentation. “This is about documentation, and it is about connecting the family with the resources that they need… We never advise people to interfere,” he stated.
Chesney believes ICE should be treated like any other law enforcement agency and criticized those who oppose their actions. “I think there’s those that are on the side of law enforcement and safe communities, and then there’s those that are on the side of rule breakers and those that enter the country illegally,” he said.
Lee argues that the Trump administration’s approach to immigration is “overreaching,” impacting communities across Illinois. “It is taking in vendors off the street. It is taking in our neighbors,” he said. “All Illinoisans should be pushing back against the excesses of the Trump administration… Immigrants are part of the fabric of our state.”
While Homeland Security conducted an operation in Rockford in June, further operations in the area have not been confirmed. ICIRR encourages those interested in learning more or needing support to visit their website or call their hotline at 855-435-7693.
First Piper 