An Illinois state senator was filmed [1] confronting federal agents during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in West Chicago, drawing criticism from officials who described her behavior as reckless and concerning.
State Sen. Karina Villa, a Democrat, was seen on video early Monday running through the streets in red pants and high heels while shouting warnings to residents.
In the footage, she urged people to “stay in your cars” and “stay in your houses” as ICE agents conducted their operation.
Approaching a vehicle carrying agents, Villa declared, “This is my city! This is my city, that’s right!”
She then repeatedly shouted, “Take off your masks!” before turning to the camera and delivering a message in Spanish.
State Senator Kooky Karina Villa may have broken several federal laws when she harassed ICE and warned illegal aliens to stay inside. @DHSgov [2] you might want to take a look in the event laws were broken. pic.twitter.com/AxF6gXTyy7 [3]
— Kim “Katie” USA (@KimKatieUSA) September 15, 2025 [4]
The video quickly circulated online, prompting widespread reaction.
Gregory Bovino, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol chief overseeing the Chicago operations, addressed the incident during an appearance on “Fox and Friends” Wednesday.
He suggested Villa’s behavior demonstrated instability.
“When I see this, I think she really needs to see someone. She may need some help,” Bovino said.
Bovino emphasized that the protective gear worn by agents is essential to their safety.
“With a 1,000% increase in assaults against federal agents doing operations such as this, I think it makes sense for these masks to be there. There’s a reason for this,” he stated.
ICE officials also issued a response, condemning Villa’s actions.
“It is irresponsible and dangerous for any elected official to flagrantly encourage individuals to disregard the law and interfere with lawful operations that protect public safety,” the agency said in a statement.
Bovino announced Tuesday morning that “Operation at Large,” a component of the larger Operation Midway Blitz, had launched in Chicago with the purpose of targeting illegal aliens.
Well, Chicago, we’ve arrived!
Operation At Large is here to continue the mission we started in Los Angeles—to make the city safer by targeting and arresting criminal illegal aliens.#DHS [5] #CBP [6] #USBP [7] #BorderPatrol [8] #OpAtLarge [9] #Chicago [10] pic.twitter.com/qvdBiHT4LN [11]
— Commander Op At Large CA Gregory K. Bovino (@CMDROpAtLargeCA) September 16, 2025 [12]
He noted that enforcement efforts had already led to significant results.
“In the past week alone, we’ve made several hundred arrests in and around Chicago. And you’re going to see those numbers rise,” Bovino told Fox News.
When asked about Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s opposition to ICE operations in the state, Bovino signaled he was open to a direct discussion but insisted the governor should witness the situation firsthand.
“I’d rather walk the streets with the governor,” he said.
“He better put his walking shoes on if he’s got them in. Let’s take a walk and look at the streets and look at what these aliens are doing to Chicago and its residents.”
The clash between Villa and federal agents highlights ongoing tensions between Illinois Democrats and federal immigration authorities.
While Villa’s video drew attention online, ICE continues its operations across the region, which officials say are aimed at addressing public safety concerns tied to illegal immigration.
The situation in West Chicago marks the latest flashpoint in the debate over cooperation between state officials and federal enforcement, with both sides standing firm on their positions.
Federal agents have signaled they will continue operations under Operation Midway Blitz, while Villa has not publicly backed down from her confrontation with ICE.