Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker asked Department of Homeland Security leadership Tuesday to pause immigration operations in the Chicago area over the Halloween weekend, according to a letter obtained by NBC Chicago.

The governor's request comes amid a controversial ramp-up of federal immigration operations in the Chicago area called " Operation Midway Blitz. "

The letter — sent to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd M. Lyons, and Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Rodney S. Scott — asks that enforcement of immigration operations be suspended from Friday, Oct. 31 to Sunday, Nov. 2 "in and around homes, schools, hospitals, parks, houses of worship, and other community gatherings where Hallowee

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