Duckworth Accuses The ICE For Using ‘Gestapo Tactics’ in Chicago

07.Oct

Duckworth Accuses The ICE For Using ‘Gestapo Tactics’ in Chicago

Senator Tammy Duckworth’s accusation that ICE agents used “Gestapo tactics” in Chicago has reignited fierce national debate over immigration enforcement and the clash between federal authority and local sanctuary policies.

Story Snapshot

Sen. Duckworth labeled ICE actions in Chicago as “Gestapo tactics,” sparking widespread outrage and comparisons to authoritarian regimes.
ICE operations intensified under President Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement, including raids, tear gas use, and family separations.
The Trump administration eliminated protections for “sensitive locations,” expanding ICE powers in schools, churches, and hospitals.
Federal-local tensions have escalated, with protests and legal challenges mounting in Chicago and other sanctuary cities.

Duckworth’s “Gestapo Tactics” Accusation and Its Political Fallout

On October 5, 2025, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents of employing “Gestapo tactics” during recent operations in Chicago. Her remarks, delivered in a national interview, referenced aggressive federal law enforcement actions—such as a controversial shooting in Brighton Park, deployment of tear gas on bystanders, and late-night raids resulting in family separations. The explosive use of Nazi-era comparisons has further polarized the debate, with conservative Americans decrying such rhetoric as inflammatory and disrespectful to both law enforcement officers and the rule of law. Duckworth’s comments come amid heightened tensions as the Trump administration’s second term brings a renewed crackdown on illegal immigration and sanctuary city policies.

Federal officials, including President Trump and his senior advisors, have defended ICE’s conduct as necessary to restore law and order, particularly in cities like Chicago that have resisted cooperation with immigration authorities. The administration’s stance is clear: upholding immigration laws and securing communities takes precedence, even if it means using forceful measures and bypassing local opposition. Conservative supporters argue that strong enforcement is essential to combat rising crime and protect American jobs and families. Meanwhile, local leaders and activists accuse the administration of overreach, secrecy, and eroding fundamental rights—an accusation that echoes through the ongoing protests and public outcry in Illinois’s largest city.

Duckworth Accuses ICE Agents of Using ‘Gestapo Tactics‘ in Chicago https://t.co/uYsnu7YskJ via @BreitbartNews Tammy is just as incompetent as JB, and Dick Durbin

— Richard Eggleston (@Richard31219657) October 5, 2025

Escalation of ICE Operations Under Trump’s Second Term

Since President Trump’s inauguration for his second term in January 2025, federal immigration enforcement has intensified sharply. New executive orders eliminated the “sensitive locations” policy, previously shielding schools, churches, and hospitals from raids, and empowered ICE to operate with far fewer restraints. Mass deportations have surged: by June 2025, the Department of Homeland Security reported over 200,000 migrants deported. The administration’s policies now permit federal agents to conduct arrests without warrants in migrants’ homes, and ICE has coordinated raids in major cities, including Chicago, often transporting detainees on military aircraft. These actions have disrupted families and generated widespread fear within immigrant communities, while drawing strong criticism from left-leaning activists and local officials.

Legal experts and advocacy groups have challenged the Trump administration’s expanded use of executive power in immigration enforcement. Reports detail how federal-local conflicts have increased, with states and municipalities resisting directives to share data and resources with ICE. The administration has responded by threatening to penalize non-cooperative jurisdictions, exacerbating the standoff. Despite these challenges, Trump’s base remains steadfast, viewing the crackdown as a long-overdue correction to years of lax enforcement and unchecked illegal immigration. For many conservatives, these measures are not only justified but necessary to defend the Constitution, uphold national sovereignty, and ensure the safety of American citizens.

Protests, Legal Challenges, and the Debate Over Federal Authority

Protests have erupted across Chicago in response to the surge in federal operations, with thousands marching against what they view as militarization and intimidation tactics. Local officials, including Governor JB Pritzker and city leaders, have condemned the administration’s actions as an assault on civil liberties and local autonomy. Notably, Illinois officials were denied access to federal operations at Naval Station Great Lakes, intensifying accusations of secrecy and lack of oversight. Despite the outcry, the Trump administration maintains public support among those who prioritize border security and law enforcement. Conservative commentators warn that undermining ICE and federal authority could embolden criminals, weaken the rule of law, and jeopardize national security.

Conflicting narratives persist about the specific incidents fueling the controversy. For example, the Brighton Park shooting has competing accounts: ICE claims self-defense against an armed suspect, while activists question the official story and demand transparency. The use of tear gas on bystanders, including journalists, has further inflamed tensions. While civil liberties groups denounce these tactics as unconstitutional, administration supporters argue that extraordinary times require robust action. As legal challenges proceed and the national debate intensifies, the outcome will set a precedent for the balance of federal power, state sovereignty, and individual rights in American immigration policy.

Looking ahead, the intensified enforcement approach is likely to continue, with more raids, deportations, and legal battles expected. While critics decry the erosion of due process and humanitarian protections, supporters of the Trump administration see these actions as restoring order and reaffirming American values. The debate over immigration and federal authority remains a defining issue in post-2024 America, exposing deep divisions but also uniting conservatives around the core principles of law, security, and constitutional governance.

Watch the report: Trump’s ICE Henchman Struggles Defending His Gestapo Tactics