The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has captured a man it describes as a major international criminal, ending a decades-long chase. Federal agents arrested 48-year-old Krzysztof Panasiuk, originally from Poland, in the Chicago area as part of the Trump administration’s large-scale deportation effort known as Operation Midway Blitz.
The Arrest That Shocked Chicago During Operation Midway Blitz
Officials said Panasiuk had been living in the United States for almost 25 years after entering the country in 2001 on a B2 tourist visa that expired ten years later. Although authorities in his home country wanted him for fraud and drug trafficking, he evaded detection for years until federal agents caught up with him.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that Polish prosecutors accuse Panasiuk of belonging to an organized crime group that distributes large quantities of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Interpol listed him on a Red Notice, an international alert that asks police worldwide to locate and temporarily detain suspects wanted in other countries.
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McLaughlin confirmed that Panasiuk will remain in ICE custody pending deportation. DHS officials said his arrest is a clear example of why the U.S. government is increasing its enforcement actions against undocumented immigrants who have serious criminal backgrounds. The department pointed to Operation Midway Blitz as the most visible example of this intensified effort to target high-level offenders hiding in American cities.
Operation Midway Blitz and the Green Army’s Controversial Sweep
The arrest took place during Operation Midway Blitz, a large-scale DHS campaign that has sparked both support and controversy. The operation, led by Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, involves his team—nicknamed the “Green Army”—conducting raids across Chicago to detain undocumented individuals.
In its first phase, Operation Midway Blitz resulted in nearly 550 arrests in the Chicago area, and by late October, that number had grown to over 3,000 nationwide, according to officials. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem even visited ICE facilities in Chicago to oversee the ongoing enforcement activities.
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However, the campaign drew backlash from residents who reported seeing agents patrolling residential streets and questioning construction workers and landscapers. Critics accused the Border Patrol of harassing local laborers, many of whom were later confirmed to be U.S. citizens or legal residents. Videos on social media showed agents in quiet neighborhoods like Wilmette and Edison Park, sparking claims of intimidation.
In response, Bovino defended Operation Midway Blitz online, highlighting the arrest of Krzysztof Panasiuk, the alleged Polish drug lord wanted under an Interpol Red Notice. On X, Bovino wrote, “One of the Polish undocumented immigrants apprehended yesterday had an INTERPOL Red Notice for leading organized crime and drug trafficking in Poland.”
When his critics stayed silent, Bovino followed up, “Cat got your tongue? The truth does that sometimes.” DHS officials later cited Panasiuk’s arrest as evidence that Operation Midway Blitz targets serious criminals, not just ordinary workers.
Questions, Criticism, and the Ongoing Investigation
DHS officials hailed the arrest of Krzysztof Panasiuk as a major success but shared few details about the case. Officials have not disclosed his case number or extradition status, though records from the Polish National Police confirm that authorities want him for crimes tied to organized drug trafficking. Born in Giżycko, northeastern Poland, prosecutors accuse Panasiuk of distributing large quantities of narcotics and poppy-based substances as part of an organized crime group.
Interpol issued Red Notices for Panasiuk, which ask police worldwide to locate and detain suspects for extradition, though they do not serve as formal arrest warrants. The U.S. Department of Justice manages such notices domestically but has not commented on this case.
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Meanwhile, Operation Midway Blitz, the DHS campaign that led to Panasiuk’s capture, has faced intense criticism. Courts and watchdog groups have questioned the operation’s tactics, citing reports of tear gas and pepper balls used in residential areas, even near children. Judge Sara L. Ellis ordered Commander Gregory Bovino’s team to wear identification, activate body cameras, and issue clear warnings during arrests.
Despite these controversies, Operation Midway Blitz continues. A photo of Bovino in a trench coat drew “Nazi” comparisons online, deepening public backlash. Still, DHS considers Panasiuk’s arrest a breakthrough, showcasing that the operation targets high-profile criminals, not ordinary workers.
Panasiuk remains in federal custody as DHS prepares his deportation. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law, you will face the consequences.”