ICE raided Swap-O-Rama in Chicago, detaining 15, including U.S. citizens, sparking backlash and a county ban on ICE activity.

Federal immigration agents conducted a large-scale raid at the Swap-O-Rama flea market in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood on October 17, 2025, as part of "Operation Midway Blitz," detaining about 15 people, including some U.S. citizens. Agents, reportedly numbering up to 30, entered the market, prompting panic and fleeing among vendors and customers, with video showing individuals running and being apprehended. Simultaneously, agents detained protesters near a gas station. The incident reignited concerns over immigration enforcement in public spaces, prompting Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle to sign an executive order banning ICE from using county property. Federal officials have not commented.