Summary: Viral posts claimed ICE zip‑tied young children in Chicago. The widely shared “toddler being zip‑tied by ICE” image/video is miscaptioned old content from 2024. Separately, after a Sept 30, 2025 federal immigration raid in Chicago’s South Side, witnesses and Gov. JB Pritzker alleged children were zip‑tied; DHS denies restraining children. The state opened an investigation. No conclusive public evidence has been published as of this note.
What’s confirmed vs. alleged
- Viral toddler clip: False/miscaptioned
- The toddler “zip‑tied by ICE” clip is a 2024 joke TikTok (a parent pretending). No verified footage shows ICE zip‑tying toddlers in Chicago.
- Chicago raid allegations (Sep 30, 2025): Mixed/under investigation
- Allegations: Witnesses and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker say children were zip‑tied and separated during a late‑night raid.
- DHS response: Denies children were handcuffed/restrained; says four U.S.‑citizen children were temporarily taken into custody for safety and then placed with guardians/the state.
- Evidence status: Conflicting accounts; investigation ongoing. No publicly verified video/photos confirming zip‑tying of children as of this writing.
Context
- Operation Midway Blitz: DHS reported arrests in a broader operation; media reported heavy law‑enforcement presence at the Chicago building (including U‑Hauls; some outlets relayed helicopter reports).
Sources
- France 24, Truth or Fake: No, ICE agents did not zip‑tie a toddler in Chicago (debunks viral video). (france24.com)
- Yahoo News (The Independent): Illinois investigating after ICE raid left “nearly naked” children zip‑tied; DHS denial included. (yahoo.com)
- Snopes (via Yahoo Canada): Image of ICE arresting Chicago toddler isn’t what it seems; notes lack of footage and DHS denial. (yahoo.com/ca)
- DHS press release (Operation Midway Blitz arrests, national context). (dhs.gov)
- Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ: Massive immigration raid on Chicago apartment building leaves residents reeling: ‘I feel defeated’. (chicago.suntimes.com)
- Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ: ‘Unlivable’ conditions festered at Chicago apartment building long before jarring immigration raid. (chicago.suntimes.com)
- WBEZ The Rundown (Oct 13, 2025): Recap and reporting from inside the South Shore building post-raid. (wbez.org)
- ABC7 Chicago (WLS): Federal agents surround South Shore apartment building; local reactions. (abc7chicago.com)
- CNN: Chicago apartment immigration raid coverage and accounts from residents. (cnn.com)
- Snopes: Were Children in Chicago Zip‑Tied by ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ Agents? What to Know. (snopes.com)
- Office of Governor JB Pritzker: Directive to evaluate treatment of children during federal raid in South Shore. (gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com)
Last updated: 2025‑10‑20