By Naman Trivedi

Copyright timesnownews

Illinois State Senator Karina Villa (D-25th District) has gained widespread attention after a series of videos she posted on social media showed her confronting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during enforcement actions in West Chicago. In one dramatic video that went viral, Villa can be seen yelling at what she believed were ICE agents, repeatedly shouting, “Not in my city! Not in my city!” while urging residents to stay safe and vigilant. Villa took to Facebook to warn local families about the ongoing immigration raids, encouraging people to stay home, not open their doors without a warrant, and document any ICE activity by taking photos or videos. She emphasized the importance of community solidarity, saying, “It’s very important, as allies, that we show up for each other.” Of particular concern to Villa were reports that ICE agents were targeting parents during school drop-offs and pick-ups. This led School District 33 in West Chicago to implement a “secure and teach” protocol, locking all school doors while classes continued as normal to ensure student safety. Throughout the day, videos circulated on social media showing ICE officers making arrests in various locations, including a van, a grocery store, and an apartment complex. In some clips, agents are seen breaking car windows and detaining individuals while neighbors shouted at the officers, expressing outrage and fear. Villa was actively seen walking through neighborhoods, urging residents to remain inside and not open their doors. She joined forces with other local officials and immigrant advocacy groups, calling for community resistance against what she described as aggressive ICE tactics targeting immigrant families. Villa also criticized President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, saying, “Donald Trump is seeing this community come together and resist and speak up and speak out, that is why he is targeting our cities, our state, our communities.” Her outspoken defense of immigrant residents has drawn both support and criticism. ICE released a statement condemning Villa’s actions, calling them “irresponsible and dangerous” for encouraging people to interfere with lawful enforcement operations. ICE confirmed that during the operation in West Chicago, which they termed “Operation Midway Blitz,” several targeted arrests were made, including one individual with a history of violence and resisting arrest. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.