The Illinois Department of Human Rights has launched an investigation into whether the landlord and property manager of a South Shore apartment building collaborated with federal immigration agents during a raid that resulted in the removal of tenants. The probe centers on Trinity Flood, a Wisconsin-based landlord, and Strength in Management, the property management firm for 7500 S. South Shore Drive.
According to Governor JB Pritzker’s office, the state filed a housing discrimination charge alleging that the companies may have worked with federal agents to intimidate and remove Black and Latino tenants from the building. The early morning raid on September 30 involved hundreds of armed agents, some arriving by helicopter, who forcibly entered apartments, detained American-born residents, and arrested 37 others believed to be Venezuelan migrants. This operation was part of what authorities called “Operation Midway Blitz.”
The complaint alleges that after the raid, many apartments were left uninhabitable due to damage such as doors being ripped off hinges and belongings destroyed or removed. It also claims that building management began clearing out units shortly after the operation.
Jim Bennett, director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights, stated: “The conduct alleged in this matter reflects more than isolated harm. It describes a pattern of intimidation that reverberates through our communities.”
If substantiated by investigators, these charges could lead to a formal complaint before the Illinois Human Rights Commission on behalf of former tenants.
Housing advocates say former residents deserve answers about how the raid unfolded. Jonah Karsh from Metropolitan Tenants Organization said: “The former residents of 7500 S. South Shore Drive have been through hell. They have been demanding accountability from Trinity Flood and Strength in Management, including related to the role they may have played in the federal raid.”
Following ongoing issues at the property—including failed inspections and unresolved code violations—Cook County Judge Debra Seaton removed control from Flood during foreclosure proceedings and ordered remaining residents to leave due to safety hazards.
Corey Oliver, CEO of Strength in Management, told Judge Seaton that security problems persisted at the 130-unit complex but residents reported conditions worsened after security guards were removed and maintenance slowed down.
Governor Pritzker commented: “State law prohibits discrimination, and that includes aiding or abetting conduct intended to interfere with housing and civil rights. Illinois will not tolerate conduct that puts anyone in Illinois at risk of discrimination or harm.” He also noted concerns for people facing homelessness or aggressive immigration enforcement actions.
Trinity Flood is also facing a $27 million foreclosure lawsuit related to unpaid loans on three South Shore properties purchased in 2020; city officials previously sued over numerous code violations at 7500 S. South Shore Drive.
Local leaders criticized both human rights violations stemming from the raid as well as reports that federal agents produced promotional videos about their actions.
Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino said after the operation: “We’re making it safe for them so they can live in a safe and secure neighborhood.”
After declaring the building uninhabitable post-raid, Judge Seaton provided each resident $7,500 for relocation expenses but set a move-out deadline earlier than requested by tenants seeking more time for rehousing efforts.
Resident Johnny Campbell remarked during his December move-out: “We got kicked out of our crib,” indicating uncertainty about where he would sleep next.
Samantha Stamps—a resident who experienced homelessness following her eviction—was reported missing last week but has since been located according to Chicago police.
Strength in Management’s Corey Oliver previously claimed $100,000 had been spent on repairs after damage caused by authorities’ entry; however Judge Seaton appointed Jared Friedman as property manager tasked with further repairs at what is now an empty building.
