Springfield FBI starts sweep in Danville, says it is not immigration-related

A white SUV in Urbana's downtown is decorated with yellow streamers and writing that says, "Melt ICE" and "ICE out for Good." The car was part of a caravan in January 2026 protesting the killing of Renee Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The presence of federal agents in town has fueled fears of an immigration crackdown. The Springfield FBI office says it launched a major sweep Wednesday morning and that the sweep is not immigration-related.

The FBI is starting a major operation Wednesday morning in Danville.

Springfield FBI Acting Public Affairs Specialist Jake Griffin says it is not immigration related.

“FBI Springfield Field Office as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement partners are conducting court authorized activity in the Danville, Illinois area, to include arrests and searches. This event is part of a coordinated effort to combat violent crime and drug activity,” Griffin said in a statement Wednesday morning.

Griffin said the office would provide more details later in the week.

“Due to the operation size and requirements, there will be no further comment at this time,” Griffin said.

The arrival of federal agents in Champaign this weekend fueled fears of a major immigration crackdown. The Springfield FBI clarified Monday that there are agents in town, along with federal drug and law enforcement agencies, and that they are not doing immigration enforcement.

Emily Hays

Emily Hays started at WILL in October 2021 after three-plus years in local newsrooms in Virginia and Connecticut. She has won state awards for her housing coverage at Charlottesville Tomorrow and her education reporting at the New Haven Independent. Emily graduated from Yale University where she majored in History and South Asian Studies.