Evanston officials are consulting the Cook County State's Attorney's Office as they investigate federal agents' conduct during Operation Midway Blitz, following reports of excessive force and community trauma in 2025.
The City of Evanston, Illinois is moving forward with an investigation into the conduct of federal agents during "Operation Midway Blitz" in 2025, after months of community concern and official review. City officials have formally requested guidance from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office Law Enforcement Review Unit (LERU) as they examine whether federal agents violated laws or policies during the operation.
According to a statement from Mayor Daniel Biss, the request for outside guidance follows an internal investigation by the Evanston Police Department and the release of a state commission report. The events in question occurred on Halloween 2025, which Biss described as one of the most traumatic days in recent memory for the community. Federal agents, primarily from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, were reported to have spent several hours in Evanston, where they allegedly caused a car crash, used force against bystanders, pointed firearms at residents, and detained individuals for extended periods.
State and Federal Reviews
The Evanston Police Department began its investigation immediately after the incident, and the FBI later opened its own review, planning to use materials gathered by local police. In late October 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker established the Illinois Accountability Commission to investigate the conduct of federal agents during "Operation Midway Blitz" and to recommend policy changes.
The commission released its final report on April 30, 2026, analyzing the actions of federal agents Timothy Donahue, Thomas Parsons, and Edward Maxa. The report described their conduct as a "brutal attack...without apparent justification" and alleged the use of excessive force. The commission concluded there was reasonable cause to believe the agents should be formally investigated for possible violations of agency policy, state and federal criminal laws, and constitutional rights.
Next Steps in the Investigation
In response to the commission's findings, Evanston Police Chief Schenita Stewart submitted a formal request for guidance to LERU regarding the next steps. The Law Enforcement Review Unit, staffed by experienced prosecutors, is responsible for investigating law enforcement officers accused of criminal conduct and determining whether charges should be filed. Community members with evidence, such as photos, recordings, or testimony, are encouraged to share information with LERU as the investigation continues.
Mayor Biss noted the legal complexity of the case, particularly the question of how to proceed when actions that might constitute assault are carried out by federal agents in the course of law enforcement. The city's request for outside legal guidance reflects the need for clarity on jurisdiction and accountability in such cases.
Understanding the Oversight Process
The Law Enforcement Review Unit operates within the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and is tasked with reviewing allegations of criminal conduct by law enforcement officers. Its involvement in the Evanston case is intended to ensure an independent and thorough review of the federal agents' actions. The Illinois Accountability Commission, created by executive order, was charged with investigating the events of "Operation Midway Blitz" and recommending changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The commission's report is now informing the ongoing local and federal investigations.
