Cook County Coalition Seeks Special Prosecutor Over Federal Agents' Actions in Chicago

A coalition of community leaders, elected officials, and journalists has formally requested the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate actions taken by federal agents during last year’s Midway Blitz operation in Chicago. Court filings made public this week show the group alleges that Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke refrained from publicly criticizing the Trump administration prior to the enforcement campaign, choosing instead to preserve relationships with federal law enforcement agencies.

The call for an independent prosecutor comes after records revealed O’Neill Burke’s office declined to join county leaders in condemning the Trump administration’s rhetoric and actions in August 2023. At that time, President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, a move ultimately blocked in court. Internal emails cited in the filings indicate the state’s attorney’s office prioritized ongoing collaboration with agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Four weeks after these exchanges, the federal Midway Blitz operation was launched. The coalition argues that O’Neill Burke’s connections to federal authorities create a conflict of interest that impedes her ability to investigate or prosecute potential misconduct by federal officers. The group references prior high-profile cases in Chicago—such as the killings of Laquan McDonald and David Koschman—which led to the appointment of special prosecutors under similar circumstances.

Attorneys for the coalition emphasized the need for independent review, noting a lack of local police investigations into incidents like the September 2023 fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas González by a federal agent. O’Neill Burke’s office, while condemning violence and abuses by federal authorities, has called the special prosecutor petition "frivolous" and maintains that her office has been proactive in urging courts to block controversial federal initiatives.

Cook County Circuit Judge Erica Reddick is scheduled to hear arguments on the matter this Friday. The outcome could determine whether a special prosecutor will move forward with investigations into federal law enforcement actions in Chicago. As of now, the current status of the investigation remains pending judicial review.