Evanston Seeks Accountability for Halloween Immigration Raids

For many in Evanston, last Halloween was marked by distressing events rather than festive celebrations. Mayor Daniel Biss described the day as “among the most traumatic” the community has faced. In response, Evanston is pursuing legal accountability for those involved. On October 31, federal agents conducted immigration raids in Chicago’s Northwest Side and nearby areas as part of Operation Midway Blitz, a federal crackdown initiated by the Trump administration.

Biss reported in an August 17 message that agents caused chaos, leading to a car crash near Oakton and Asbury in Evanston. They allegedly beat and pepper-sprayed bystanders, pointed firearms at residents, and detained individuals for extended hours. Biss stated that these actions violated the Department of Homeland Security’s use-of-force policies.

The challenge lies in determining who will hold these agents accountable and how. Biss noted that under the Trump administration, usual mechanisms were ineffective, as the Department of Justice was unlikely to prosecute its agents. As a result, the city considers the state-level criminal justice system as the remaining option to address these actions.

Evanston Police Chief Schenita Stewart has formally requested guidance from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office’s Law Enforcement Review Unit (LERU). This unit investigates law enforcement officers accused of criminal offenses to decide whether charges can be filed against them.

We are requesting assistance from LERU to determine the most appropriate path forward, Biss conveyed in his communication. The issue drew public attention and criticism, leading Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke to issue a policy in February outlining how charges could be pursued against federal agents.

The policy provides guidance for state prosecutors considering charges against federal agents accused of misconduct while on duty. In a related news statement, O’Neill Burke affirmed, No one is above the law — including both ICE agents and prosecutors.

Initially, the Evanston Police Department had opened an investigation into the reported illegal force used by federal agents. However, the FBI subsequently launched its own inquiry, intending to use the Evanston Police Department’s materials. Biss expressed skepticism about the FBI’s intentions, describing its actions as lacking good faith.

The formal request to LERU draws on a report from Governor JB Pritzker’s Illinois Accountability Commission. This commission was established to examine federal agents’ conduct and recommend policy changes for any harm caused. The final report criticized the Evanston incidents, describing the actions of agents Timothy Donahue, Thomas Parsons, and Edward Maxa as a brutal attack … without apparent justification and accused them of using excessive force. The report found reason to believe that an investigation into possible policy and legal violations was warranted.

During the incident, a federal agent pointed a weapon towards onlookers while attempting to restrain a woman. Another agent reportedly restrained and hit a man, according to a witness on October 31, 2025. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed that its review unit is evaluating materials from Evanston to assess the support it can provide. Following the Halloween raid, ICE agents returned to Evanston on December 17. There, they were involved in a public confrontation with Biss during a subsequent enforcement operation.

As the community remains alert for possible ICE and Border Patrol returns, federal authorities continue advocating for protections for their agents, including provisions for liability insurance and equipment like gloves capable of delivering electric shocks.