CHICAGO ( 25News Now ) - Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) each released statements Sunday blasting the federal government’s stepped-up presence in the Chicago area known as Operation Midway Blitz .

Specifically, Department of Homeland Security officers appeared to be carrying large weapons in Downtown Chicago, wearing camouflage and masks, the Democratic governor said.

“This is not making anybody safer — it’s a show of intimidation, instilling fear in our communities and hurting our businesses. We cannot normalize militarizing American cities and suburbs," said Pritzker. “Make sure you known your rights and stay alert,” he said.

Duckworth commented on reports that federal agents are using rubber bullets and chemical irritants like tear gas at demo

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