Federal Agents Raid Bensenville Vape Distributor Midwest Goods, Seize Truckloads of Products
BENSENVILLE, ILLINOIS – A massive federal raid unfolded Wednesday morning as FDA agents and U.S. Marshals seized truckloads of vaping products from Midwest Goods, Inc., a wholesale distributor based on Foster Avenue in Bensenville.
The raid was part of a nationwide sweep targeting flavored vaping products federal officials say are being marketed to children, young adults, and even members of the military. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that multiple facilities across the country were raided simultaneously.
Federal Officials Cite Risks to Children
Standing outside the Bensenville warehouse, Bondi displayed confiscated items and criticized the packaging. “These things seized right here today, watermelon ice, hm targeting a child, also an American flag on it. Don’t let the American flag fool you. It’s Chinese,” she said, emphasizing that many of the seized products were manufactured overseas.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. added that 50 truckloads of material were confiscated at Midwest Goods alone, with 90% of it originating from China. “They’re making products there that they believe are so dangerous they can’t sell to their own citizens. And they’re dumping them here in our country, and the Chinese are getting richer while our children get sicker,” Kennedy said.
Midwest Goods Responds to the Seizure
Midwest Goods issued a statement describing the raid as a “civil seizure action.” The company said most of the items taken were bottles of nicotine e-liquid for refillable e-cigarettes and devices from 75 different brands, many of which still have pending FDA applications.
The distributor argued that the FDA had previously allowed these products to be marketed while applications were under review. Midwest Goods claimed it had already removed some products after an August inspection and offered to stop selling others but had received no further instructions before the raid.
In its statement, the company said it is cooperating with federal agents but may fight the matter in court to protect its rights. It also stressed that many of the seized products were manufactured by U.S. companies, employing American workers.
Industry Pushback and Ongoing Legal Battles
Tony Abboud, executive director of the Vapor Technology Association, criticized the FDA’s actions, saying current regulations are damaging small businesses while allowing large tobacco companies to advance. “This is the opposite of President Trump’s America First agenda. This is going after American small businesses seizing 100 percent American made product,” Abboud said.
Midwest Goods already faces two active federal cases in New York, where it has been accused of illegally marketing and shipping flavored vaping products into the state.
The raid underscores the growing tension between federal regulators, the vaping industry, and distributors accused of targeting youth with flavored products. For ongoing updates on Illinois news and community impact, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.