Latino Leaders Condemn ICE Following Fatal Shooting and Arrests in Chicago Area
CHICAGO — Latino community leaders are raising alarm after a series of immigration enforcement incidents in Chicagoland over the past week, including a fatal shooting, detentions, and tense confrontations between protesters and ICE agents.
On Friday morning in Franklin Park, officials said an ICE officer fatally shot Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez during a traffic stop after the man allegedly drove toward agents and dragged one of them. Villegas-Gonzalez was pronounced dead at a local hospital, while the agent sustained severe injuries.
On the same day, Willian Gimenez was pulled over in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood and detained by ICE agents. Gimenez, who holds a work permit and is pursuing asylum, has an attorney who claims the arrest may have been retaliatory due to his involvement in a lawsuit against local officials, Home Depot, and an off-duty police officer regarding immigrant workers’ rights. ICE, however, stated Gimenez was arrested for being in the country illegally and for failing to appear in immigration court in 2024.
The enforcement actions, part of “Operation: Midway Blitz”, targeting criminal undocumented immigrants in sanctuary cities, sparked protests outside an ICE facility in Broadview. Several demonstrators clashed with agents equipped in riot gear.
U.S. Representatives Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and Delia Ramirez have called for thorough investigations and stressed the need for community unity. Garcia warned the incidents raise questions about safety and accountability, while Ramirez described ICE operations as a source of fear for immigrant neighborhoods, especially with upcoming Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
These events have intensified debate over immigration enforcement in Illinois, highlighting tensions between federal authorities and local communities seeking protection under sanctuary policies.
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