Rightwing Influencer Joins ICE Raids in Chicago, Sparks Outrage
A rightwing influencer stirred controversy in Chicago on Sunday after accompanying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a series of arrests on the city’s southwest side. Officials confirmed that four people were detained as part of the operation.
The influencer, Ben Bergquam, a well-known far-right internet personality, was spotted filming content, riding along with ICE officers, and clashing with local residents during the enforcement sweep. In footage shared on X (formerly Twitter), Bergquam appeared inside ICE vehicles and close to the arrests, later shouting at bystanders resisting the raid and branding them “the enemy within.”
Bergquam, who frequently targets migrant shelters and protests, has built his platform around amplifying anti-immigration rhetoric and defending Donald Trump’s agenda. In 2024, he falsely claimed that FEMA could not assist Hurricane Helene victims because all funds were allegedly diverted to house migrants in Chicago.
Though usually based in Fresno, California, Bergquam has repeatedly traveled to Chicago since at least 2019. That year, he baselessly accused a local pastor of working with a transnational group that moved migrant caravans from Central and South America. He is also tied to the Real America’s Voice News network, which hosts shows by Steve Bannon, Charlie Kirk, and other far-right voices.
When pressed for details about Bergquam’s presence, ICE avoided confirming whether he was officially authorized to attend, but defended its crackdown:
“ICE has always operated in Chicago, targeting dangerous criminal aliens who exploit this sanctuary city,” the agency told the Guardian. “We will continue our mission undeterred, surging resources alongside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and **Department of Justice (DOJ).”
Meanwhile, DHS confirmed on X that this latest sweep was dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz,” concentrated in Latino neighborhoods near Midway Airport.
The raid coincided with a Supreme Court ruling that upheld ICE’s right to resume operations in Los Angeles, previously halted after a judge slammed the agency for using racial profiling in its arrests.
Adding fuel to the fire, Donald Trump took aim at Chicago’s sanctuary city policies, calling the city “crime-infested.” On Truth Social, he posted: “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.” By Sunday, however, he softened his tone, instead promoting his plan to deploy the National Guard. This despite data showing Chicago’s summer crime rate hit its lowest level in 60 years, according to WBEZ.
Bergquam has made multiple appearances in Chicago this year. In January, he joined former “border czar” Tom Homan during ICE raids, and in April, he stood outside a city shelter serving migrants and unhoused residents, pointing at women and labeling them “illegals.”
The Trump administration has leaned into media-driven enforcement, creating slick promotional videos of ICE raids to push mass deportation policies. Even DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was featured in glam-style reels during operations. In one bizarre case, the agency posted a raid clip set to the disco classic “Car Wash” by Rose Royce.
Celebrity involvement has also raised eyebrows, with Dr. Phil (Phil McGraw) appearing at raids — a move critics say undermines the seriousness of enforcement.
Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson blasted the lack of transparency, revealing the city was not informed of the federal operation:
“The City of Chicago received no notice of enhanced immigration action by the Trump administration. We remain opposed to militarized enforcement without due process, given ICE’s long track record of wrongful detentions and human rights violations.”
Description:
"Rightwing influencer Ben Bergquam joined ICE agents in Chicago during “Operation Midway Blitz,” filming arrests and clashing with locals. Trump weighs in on sanctuary city policies as critics blast the raids."