An online initiative supported by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s administration is capturing stories of individuals affected by the immigration enforcement actions of the Trump administration. The project, named Disappeared in America, receives backing from Illinois Accountability Commission to provide a public record of President Trump’s deportation strategies. It features around 500 accounts of immigrants and U.S. citizens impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, including Chicago’s Operation Midway Blitz.
Project Goals and Launch Context
Amid political debates over immigration enforcement, the White House points to the apprehension of criminals, while critics say non-criminal immigrants are often swept up, violating civil liberties. Beatriz Lopez, co-founder of Democracy Power Project, noted, “Our end goal is to ensure such actions never occur again.” She praised Governor Pritzker for providing a route to accountability and raising awareness through personal narratives.
Governor Pritzker condemned the federal approach to immigration enforcement, alleging misuse of power without proper accountability. He affirmed Illinois’s commitment to justice and holding federal authorities accountable.
The Site’s Impact and Content
The Disappeared in America site serves as an interactive database, including stories of people like Lorenza Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero, killed by ICE agents, and citizens like Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, fatally shot by federal officers. The stories, profiles, and multimedia elements create a historical archive meant to expand over time. Lopez highlighted a video of a young girl’s account of her father’s arrest amidst her battle with cancer, showcasing personal hardship and resilience.
Though only 500 stories are currently documented, statistics reveal over 605,000 deportations and 400,000 detentions under Trump’s second term, with reports of 33 fatalities.
Pritzker’s Role and Operation Midway Blitz
The Illinois Accountability Commission, formed in October 2025, examined ICE’s activities during Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago. The operation met widespread criticism, and the commission became the first state-level body to investigate federal enforcement actions. Hina Mahmood, executive director, emphasized the collective effort in creating an enduring record of personal experiences, contributing to ongoing national dialogue.
Governor Pritzker played a pivotal role in the commission’s formation, reflecting broader resistance in Democratic jurisdictions accused of non-cooperation with ICE.
Conflicting Narratives Over ICE Actions
The site highlights the divergent views on ICE operations, contrasting statements about targeting dangerous offenders with accounts of non-criminal detainees. Critics point to family separations and aggressive tactics, while the federal government defends its focus on capturing criminal offenders. An ICE spokesperson reiterated the professionalism and dedication of ICE officers tackling threats like gang members and violent criminals.
Future Directions
Lopez emphasized the aim of achieving greater accountability and instigating policy changes. She anticipates additional states joining the initiative, amplifying calls for systemic reforms to ensure such enforcement actions are not repeated in the future.