Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued a sharp warning to federal immigration enforcement officials involved in what has been described as Operation Midway Blitz, accusing them of violating constitutional protections and vowing that they will eventually be held accountable.

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Speaking about the operation, which he characterized as involving aggressive enforcement tactics, Durbin said those responsible would ultimately face consequences.

“There will come a time when the people responsible for these assaults, tear gassing and unjust detention during this lawful immigration action will face real accountability,” Durbin said.

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Durbin argued that federal law enforcement officials participating in the operation had broken the oath they took upon entering service.

“These officials swore an oath when they began their service to preserve and protect the Constitution, but in their role as federal law enforcement, enforcement officials, there is ample evidence they violated the very rights they promised to defend,” he said.

He said he was placing those involved in Operation Midway Blitz on notice.

“Today, I'm putting those participating in operation midway blitz on notice,” Durbin said.

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Durbin accused officials of ignoring legal standards and constitutional protections during the operation.

“You can continue to terrorize people. You can ignore the rulings of our courts, our laws and our Constitution. You can hide behind your masks. You can ignore due process requirements of the Constitution,” he said.

Durbin concluded by predicting that those involved would eventually be brought to justice and that the episode would be remembered negatively.

“The day will come when justice will be served. The day will come when you be held accountable. The day will come when this pitiful display, display of meanness and intolerance will become one of the saddest chapters of our nation's history, and you will be held accountable,” Durbin said.

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The remarks reflect ongoing political disputes over federal immigration enforcement operations and the methods used during recent actions. Durbin’s comments signal continued Democratic opposition to Operation Midway Blitz and raise the prospect of future oversight or legal scrutiny related to the operation.

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