Chicago-area law enforcement officers were part of an undercover probe by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) into Minneapolis mutual aid networks last spring. The joint task force, made up of 14 law enforcement officers from Chicago, Aurora, Downer’s Grove, Cook County, and Kane County, used electronic surveillance and undercover agents to identify attendees and build connections to other anti-ICE protests.

The task force’s activities are part of a broader federal case against 15 Twin Cities activists facing federal felony charges for resisting Operation Metro Surge. Critics argue that this cooperation between local police, sheriffs, and HSI agents crosses the line into political repression.

The cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE, despite Illinois state law preventing local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement operations, highlights the complex legal and ethical challenges surrounding surveillance and free speech.

The Chicago Mayor’s Office and the Aurora and Downer’s Grove Police Departments did not comment. The Chicago Police Department claims that its work with HSI is permitted under Illinois law because it pertains to criminal enforcement, not immigration.

The HSI Chicago surveillance team logged 219 vehicles parked near the event and identified several subjects already under investigation, including some of the speakers on the tour.