Rideshare drivers arrested at O’Hare during federal immigration sweep
A number of rideshare drivers serving O’Hare International Airport passengers were arrested in a raid by federal agents last week, officials said.
The action comes amid an intensifying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection crackdown in Chicago and the suburbs. The drivers were waiting in an airport parking lot to pick up customers.
“We are deeply concerned that the drivers’ due process rights were violated at O’Hare today,” officials with the Illinois Drivers Alliance said Friday.
“This is part of a broader pattern of attacks on immigrant families by an administration that continues to weaponize fear and division. The Illinois Drivers Alliance rejects unconstitutional raids, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with all hard working immigrant drivers, families, and essential workers targeted by these unjust actions.”
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that “U.S. Border Patrol conducted a targeted immigration enforcement operation at O’Hare International Airport that arrested of 12 illegal aliens, all in violation of our nation’s immigration laws.”
Among those detained was a Venezuelan man, previously arrested on charges of domestic battery, DHS noted. The individuals will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings, McLaughlin said.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law, you will face the consequences.”
The arrests followed a turbulent week in which Texas National Guard troops began arriving in the region after being federalized by President Donald Trump to assist ICE operations. U.S. District Judge April Perry on Thursday issued an order halting deployment for two weeks but that is under appeal.
“We are working diligently to gather more information and ensure that every person’s constitutional rights were respected and protected throughout this disturbing incident,” Illinois Drivers Association officials said.
The Illinois Drivers Association is affiliated with SEIU and the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers.