DrupalCon Chicago 2026: CWG Issues Safety Advisory Amid Immigration Operations

In a post titled “What’s going on in Chicago?”, CWG outlined recent developments in the city following increased U.S. federal immigration enforcement operations known as Operation Midway Blitz. Chicago was selected as the host city for DrupalCon North America in late 2024. Since then, enforcement actions have received extensive local media coverage.

Local outlet Block Club Chicago has published detailed reporting on the situation, including articles such as Chicago Under Siege: How Operation Midway Blitz Changed Our City and Feds Used Chemical Weapons On Chicagoans At Least 49 Times — Even After Judge Said To Stop. While federal operations reportedly shifted primarily to Minneapolis in December, activity continues in Chicago and elsewhere in the United States.

CWG states clearly that attendees should make their own informed decision about travel. The advisory notes that the current climate may disproportionately affect international travelers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups.

For those choosing to attend, CWG recommends several precautionary steps:

• Request and carry a Visa Letter, even if not strictly required for entry.
• Review the City of Chicago’s Protecting Chicago Initiative.
• Save the ICIRR Family Support Network & Hotline (1-855-435-7693).
• Familiarize yourself with Know Your Rights guidance before travel.

Community members with questions are invited to attend CWG public office hours scheduled for Friday, February 13 at 10:00 ET / 1200 UTC. Details will be shared in the #community-health channel on the Drupal Slack workspace.

Additional reporting on local conditions can be found through:

• Block Club Chicago
• Chicago Tribune
• WBEZ 91.5FM

Attendees experiencing harassment or wishing to report a Code of Conduct violation may contact event staff or email [email protected]. For conflict mediation or broader concerns, the Drupal Community Working Group can be reached at [email protected]. In case of emergency in the United States, call 9-1-1.