Chicago, IL – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago have made significant strides in capturing wanted criminals, arresting 98 individuals at O’Hare and Midway International Airports since the beginning of the 2024 fiscal year. The arrests, which took place between October 1, 2024, and April 2025, involved individuals wanted for a wide range of criminal offenses, from minor violations to serious crimes like homicide, sexual assault, and child exploitation.
Among those arrested, individuals aged 17 to 64 were taken into custody while either arriving or departing the U.S. at Chicago’s major airports. The crimes associated with these individuals included military desertion, larceny, fraud, DUIs, sexual assault, exploitation of children, and drug possession, including charges for cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl.
CBP officers play a crucial role in securing the U.S. by comparing travelers’ details with active arrest warrants listed in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). By verifying identities through passports, state-issued IDs, and fingerprints, officers ensure that those arrested are exact matches to the warrant details.
“CBP officers are critical to keeping dangerous criminals off U.S. soil,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of the Chicago Field Office. “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure fugitives face justice.”
After their arrests, all 98 individuals were processed by CBP officers and handed over to local authorities, including county, city, or state police, for further processing. This operation highlights the importance of collaboration between CBP and law enforcement agencies to safeguard communities and prevent criminals from evading justice.
With a focus on security and public safety, CBP continues its mission to uphold the nation’s law enforcement standards at its ports of entry. This proactive approach to criminal detention supports the larger goal of maintaining secure borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade.