Prairie State Wire

Don Tracy, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, has said that Democratic policies in Chicago and Springfield have facilitated the flow of illegal weapons and contraband. He urged for coordinated enforcement in a recent press release.

"For years, Chicago and Springfield Democrats have advanced a far-left agenda that makes our communities less safe," said Tracy, U.S. Senate candidate. "Now federal law enforcement is exposing the consequences: cartel weapons, illegal guns, and trafficked contraband flooding into our neighborhoods. When a top Border Patrol agent says something is going on in Chicago, that's a wake-up call. We need leadership and collaboration, not political grandstanding. Stop blocking enforcement and start protecting our communities."

According to Reuters, federal immigration and public-safety operations have intensified in the Chicago area under "Operation Midway Blitz," led by Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. This operation follows similar campaigns in Los Angeles. Reports from Reuters and local outlets indicate numerous arrests and highly visible tactics, with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leaders appearing on-site and online to emphasize the surge. These developments provide context for Tracy's call for collaboration and stronger enforcement as federal activity increases in Illinois' largest city.

NBC Chicago reports that recent joint actions by federal agents and Chicago police have resulted in significant seizures of firearms and components. In August 2025, an operation involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Chicago Police Department (CPD) seized 171 guns, 64 machine-gun conversion kits, and arrested 41 alleged offenders. These figures highlight the scale and complexity of illegal weapon flows in the region, supporting claims that trafficking and contraband are straining public safety and enforcement resources across Chicago neighborhoods.

Chicago's international mail facility has frequently been a chokepoint for weapon-modifying parts. In the first 43 days of 2024 alone, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported 43 seizures involving components such as automatic fire switches and suppressor parts, totaling 117 weapon-modifying devices. These interdictions reveal persistent illicit supply lines exploiting parcel and mail systems, complementing street-level seizures and reinforcing arguments for tighter interagency enforcement coordination.

Tracy is a Springfield attorney, former chair of the Illinois Republican Party from 2021 to 2024, and a declared Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat opening in 2026. Coverage notes his focus on working families and public safety while confirming his entry into the race as a top GOP contender following other potential candidates opting not to run.