Controversial South Shore immigration raid in Chicago under new investigation by state officials
A new investigation is underway into a controversial immigration raid in Chicago's South Shore.
The Illinois Department of Human Rights filed a housing discrimination charge against the owner and landlord of the building.
Claiming that they tipped off the federal government that Venezuelan immigrants were living in the building.
The raid happened in September at 75th and South Shore Drive. Gaining national attention during 'Operation Midway Blitz.'
At the time, the Department of Homeland Security says it was going after members of the Tren de Aragua gang.
37 people were arrested, however the state says DHS never gave an update on official charges or deportations.
In the new filing, Illinois officials say agents dragged tenants and their children outside, separated them based on their race, ancestry and national origin, and left them zip-tied for hours.
The new charge also accuses the building owner and landlord of telling the federal government about immigrants living in the building to quote "intimidate and coerce Black and Hispanic tenants into leaving.
Fallout from the raid continued for months and ultimately led to the building being vacated over safety concerns. Many tenants were forced to find new housing.
Governor JB Pritzker saying in a statement: "These allegations of housing discrimination raise serious concerns for people struggling to maintain housing - and the communities that have been profiled and relentlessly targeted by the federal government during its violent immigration enforcement operations. State law prohibits discrimination, and that includes aiding or abetting conduct intended to interfere with housing and civil rights."
ABC7 reached out to DHS and the building owner for a comment, but have not heard back.
