Border Patrol Arrests 12 Drivers At O'Hare; Rideshare Group, Johnson Respond

CHICAGO — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is partnering with a group that advocates for rideshare drivers after 12 people were arrested last week by U.S. Border Patrol at a parking lot at O’Hare International Airport that is frequented by the drivers, authorities said.

Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security’s assistant secretary for public affairs, confirmed the arrests in a statement. The 12 people were arrested as part of a targeted immigration enforcement operation and were not in the country legally, she said, adding one man had been previously arrested on suspicion of domestic battery causing great bodily harm.

The parking lot where the arrests occurred is typically a safe place for drivers to wait between trips, according to the Illinois Drivers Alliance, which is working with the Johnson administration to get signs posted at the lot prohibiting entry for civil immigration enforcement and to have the area monitored by security personnel.

“The harassment and intimidation of rideshare drivers by federal agents at O’Hare is unacceptable and violates the values of our sanctuary city,” Johnson said in a statement published Tuesday by the alliance. “My administration is working closely with the Illinois Drivers Alliance to ensure drivers are protected, their rights are respected, and that our City property is never used to facilitate unlawful civil immigration enforcement.”

The alliance is also hosting a series of “know your rights” trainings for drivers and their families.

“U.S. Border Control and ICE are disregarding local ordinances and violating the very constitutional rights that protect every person in this country – regardless of immigration status,” alliance leader Genie Kastrup said in a statement.

“Chicago is a proud sanctuary city, yet federal agents are creating chaos and fear in communities that simply want to work and provide for their families. We are working closely with city leadership to act swiftly to ensure no one is targeted or intimidated while doing their job, and to hold federal agencies accountable to the same laws and constitutional protections that govern us all.”