West Cook News

Martin Guereca-Martinez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico with convictions for assault and with three pending charges of aggravated assault with a weapon, assault, and damage to property, was arrested in Chicago as part of a statewide federal enforcement effort, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

His arrest came during Operation Midway Blitz, a DHS initiative led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol that began September 8. The operation has resulted in more than 800 arrests across Illinois, focusing on what officials described as the “worst of the worst” offenders.

Operation Midway Blitz was launched in honor of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old Illinois woman killed in a drunk-driving hit-and-run caused by criminal illegal alien Julio Cucul-Bol. Abraham and her friend, Chloe Polzin, died in Urbana after Cucul-Bol struck their vehicle and fled. He was later arrested near Dallas while attempting to flee to Mexico and charged with multiple crimes, including aggravated DUI causing death, reckless homicide, and identity fraud, reported ABC7 Chicago. DHS officials said Abraham’s death was a reminder of the risks posed by sanctuary policies and designated the operation in her memory, according to DHS.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned Governor J.B. Pritzker’s handling of immigration enforcement, claiming that “Broadview is housing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens,” including individuals convicted of violent and drug-related offenses. She noted how the governor and “violent rioters” wanted such criminals “released onto Illinois streets.” McLaughlin said that “under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are getting criminals off our streets and restoring law and order.”

Federal officials said the operation will continue in Chicago and surrounding communities as part of ongoing enforcement against criminal illegal aliens.