A landscaper being detained by ICE agents in a quiet suburban neighborhood, photorealistic, tense atmosphere, morning light.
A landscaper being detained by ICE agents in a quiet suburban neighborhood, photorealistic, tense atmosphere, morning light.

ICE Agents Detain Landscaper in Evanston Neighborhood

EVANSTON, IL – On October 21, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted an operation in Evanston, Illinois, resulting in the detention of at least one individual, reportedly a landscaper working in the area.

According to eyewitness accounts and alerts from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), at least four ICE agents were observed near the Home Depot parking lot and the Salvation Army on South Oakton Street, close to Dawes Elementary School. The agents were described as wearing tan vests and operating from a black Chevy SUV and a black Kia Carnival.

The detained individual was reportedly a landscaper who had been working in the neighborhood. The incident occurred as part of what appears to be increased ICE enforcement activity in the Evanston area, linked to "Operation Midway Blitz," a federal immigration enforcement initiative targeting undocumented immigrants throughout the Chicago region.

This marks at least the third reported ICE operation in the same Home Depot vicinity within recent weeks, with previous detentions occurring on October 12 and October 17. The pattern of enforcement actions has raised concerns among local residents and community organizations about the impact on immigrant communities.

In response to the growing ICE presence in the area, Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans issued an order on October 15, 2025, barring ICE from making civil arrests of individuals—including parties, witnesses, and potential witnesses—at or near courthouses. The order covers courthouses, parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways, aiming to ensure that courts remain accessible without fear of civil arrest.

Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has publicly stated that "ICE is not welcome in Evanston" and urged community members to "keep (their) neighbors safe." Local advocacy groups have encouraged residents to report ICE activity by calling the ICIRR hotline at 855-435-7693.

The incident has sparked renewed discussions about immigration enforcement practices and their impact on local communities, particularly in sanctuary cities and municipalities that have declared themselves welcoming to immigrants.


The prompt for this was: 🧊 agents seen snatching a landscaper from Evanston neighborhood today (10-21)

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