The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported on 12/9 that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were attempting to apprehend Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, an undocumented immigrant with a history of reckless driving, in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. When officers instructed him to stop his vehicle, Villegas-Gonzalez accelerated directly into the agents, striking and dragging one officer a considerable distance.
"Fearing for his life, the officer fired, hitting the suspect," the DHS stated.
Both the ICE agent and Villegas-Gonzalez were immediately transported to a local hospital. The suspect died, while the injured officer is in stable condition. Photos from the scene show Villegas-Gonzalez's vehicle surrounded by police cars and federal agents after it collided with a food truck.
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Police secure the scene of the incident where an ICE agent was struck by a vehicle in Chicago on 12/9. Photo: Reuters |
Police secure the scene of the incident where an ICE agent was struck by a vehicle in Chicago on 12/9. Photo: Reuters
The fatal encounter occurred in the largely Latino community of Franklin Park, about 30 km from downtown Chicago. "We are praying for the officer’s swift recovery. He followed protocol, using reasonable force to protect the community and his fellow officers," said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
McLaughlin criticized videos circulating on social media and calls to resist law enforcement, saying they endanger both officers and those being apprehended.
The incident is part of "Operation Midway Blitz," an initiative by the Trump administration to strengthen immigration enforcement in Chicago and Illinois, known for its "sanctuary city" policies protecting undocumented immigrants. Approximately 300 ICE personnel have been deployed to the area in recent weeks.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has requested a full and transparent report on the shooting, while immigrant rights groups and local politicians have denounced the deportation operation, citing increased risks.
"Trump's deportation machine is out of control, lacking transparency and accountability, and causing needless harm to our communities," Laurence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, stated at a press conference.
The incident occurred just before Chicago's Mexican Independence Day celebrations this weekend, raising concerns about potential raids. Local activists and educators have been distributing flyers and holding workshops on how immigrants can protect their rights when encountering ICE.
"We don't encourage anyone to resist, but people have a right to know how to protect themselves," said Jessica Vasquez, a Cook County official, adding that the community is providing legal information and mutual support.
Thanh Danh (Fox, AP, ABC)
