SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading a measure that would establish the “Operation Midway Blitz” Small Business Restoration Grant Program that would provide support to Illinois small businesses who have been economically impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“Operation Midway Blitz has created a ghost town effect in Illinois’ small business corridors. The resulting 515% surge in enforcement actions has triggered a localized economic shutdown, with small business revenues plummeting. I have witnessed first-hand the impact on corridors in the 7th District,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “To safeguard the economic foundations of communities throughout the State of Illinois, we must establish a stabilizing institution.”

Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 2810, would establish a Small Business Restoration Grant Program to assist independently-owned brick-and-mortar small businesses impacted by ICE during Operation Midway Blitz. The legislation would create a $50 million grant program for businesses with 25 or fewer full-time employees that have been impacted.

Small businesses saw major revenue losses as customers avoided public spaces due to fear of encountering federal agents. Some businesses have reported sales plunging 50-70% during and after Operation Midway Blitz.

“When unlawful immigration enforcement operations threaten small business owners, drives customers away, and disrupts staffing and forces neighborhood businesses to cut hours or close their doors, Illinois needs to take action,” said Simmons. “The economic damage is not contained to just one community. The entire state of Illinois absorbs the impact. Just as Illinois provided support and relief during the Covid-19 pandemic, we must do the same now.”

Senate Bill 2810 was heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.

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