Immigration Enforcement Sparks Conflict in Chicago’s Little Village
Federal immigration enforcement in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood led to heightened tensions over the weekend. Allegations of pepper spraying and gunfire have drawn criticism from local residents and officials.
The incidents occurred just days after federal immigration operations in the area, following a court ruling that imposed stricter rules on immigration agents’ use-of-force. The U.S. Department of Justice is appealing the injunction that led to these changes.
Pepper Spray Incident at Sam’s Club
Cellphone video captures Rafael Veraza and his family in a Sam’s Club parking lot in Cicero, alleging they were pepper sprayed by Border Patrol agents.
“He started spraying from the front of the car towards the back. Basically I got sprayed all over my face,” Veraza stated.
Veraza, who suffers from asthma, described the ordeal: “I’m asthmatic. I’ve been with asthma since I was a little kid. So the moment that it hit me, I couldn’t breathe.” His one-year-old daughter Arianna was also affected and both were briefly hospitalized. “My daughter was trying to open her eyes. She was struggling to breathe,” he added.
Disputing the pepper spray claims, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted on social media, “No. There was no crowd control or pepper spray deployed in a Sam’s Club parking lot. Though, over the weekend in Chicago, law enforcement was shot at, bricks thrown at them, they were rammed with vehicles and other attacks…”
DHS Account of Events
According to DHS, agents had conducted crowd-control measures in Little Village before proceeding to the Sam’s Club parking lot. They reported gunfire at their convoy from a black Jeep Wrangler.
“Individuals stalked and followed the convoy into the parking lot and a vehicle rammed a Border Patrol’s vehicle,” a DHS statement noted. “After departing the parking lot, the law enforcement convoy was again attacked resulting in a broken window.”
Although images of the damaged vehicles were published, DHS did not clarify why Veraza’s family was targeted as they attempted to leave. “I’m not even doing a thing,” Veraza said. “I’m trying to exit.”
Community Leaders React
Veraza, alongside community members and officials, voiced concerns over perceived excessive tactics. Chemical agents were reportedly used on protesters opposing the operation in Little Village.
Pastor Matt DeMateo of New Life Community Church recounted, “There were ten cars in front of me. There were neighbors all around. People were upset. All of the agents popped out of the car, guns drawn. Did not hear a single warning.”
Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García criticized the federal actions, urging residents to document any further operations. “I recognize the anger. I recognize how so many people feel. however if we succumb to violence we will lose our battle,” said Rep. García. “If we succumb to violence our message will get lost.”
The Indivisible Chicago Alliance responded by hosting a day of action in West Town, distributing ICE watch kits and holding “know your rights” sessions.
Official DHS Statement
“Yesterday around 9:30 AM, in the Chicago neighborhood of Little Village, U.S. Border Patrol was attacked while conducting immigration enforcement operations. Border Patrol was accosted by a hostile crowd that boxed them into a street and alleyway. As they were apprehending a subject, agents came under direct gunfire when a male driving a black Jeep Wrangler fired multiple rounds. He immediately fled the scene.
Attackers then began throwing bricks and even paint cans from a roof, damaging Border Patrol vehicles. Chicago Police Department successfully helped law enforcement evacuate the area as more bricks were thrown at the law enforcements’ vehicle. Fortunately, no Border Patrol agents were injured in this attack.
After clearing the scene of the first attack, Border Patrol then encountered a vehicle that attempted to ram their convoy at the intersection of Cermak and California, but was thwarted when a Controlled Tire Deflation Device was deployed. The Border Patrol convoy then proceeded toward an FBI facility and encountered two drivers trying to impede operations. After they were warned to stop, one of the drivers attempted to ram the convoy. The driver was arrested. Border Patrol reached the FBI facility when rioters attempted to breach security there. Chicago Police responded to help secure the perimeter.
Border Patrol then left the FBI facility and then encountered protesters lying in the street near 26th and Pulaski. As the rioters refused to comply with basic instructions and began throwing objects, Border Patrol deployed crowd control measures, cleared the area, and proceeded to a Sam’s Club parking lot. Individuals stalked and followed the convoy into the parking lot and a vehicle rammed a Border Patrol’s vehicle. Three suspects were immediately arrested for assault.
After departing the parking lot, the law enforcement convoy was again attacked resulting in a broken window. The convoy became stuck at 26th and Kostner and sustained window damage along with a fourth vehicle ramming. The subject fled the scene and Border Patrol pursued. This driver remains at large.
As a result of yesterday’s multiple attacks-fueled by sanctuary politicians and the media-Border Patrol arrested 8 U.S. citizens and one illegal alien. Thankfully, no Border Patrol agents were injured during these multiple attacks.
‘JB Pritzker and Brandon Johnson have fueled an environment of lawlessness and assault on federal law enforcement,’ said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. ‘In less than three hours in Chicago, Border Patrol faced gunshots, violent mobs at every stop, bricks and other objects thrown at them, and four vehicle rammings. The violence in Chicago against law enforcement is unprecedented-These attacks are the consequence of vitriolic smears from sanctuary politicians and the media. Just last week, Chicago and national media falsely accused law enforcement of raiding a daycare center. Now, they are silent when our agents come under gunfire.
‘Make no mistake: Our mission will continue despite the violence. To any Antifa terrorist in Chicago: You will not stop us. You will not slow us down. And if you lay a hand on law enforcement, you will face the consequences.’
Mayor Johnson’s Remarks
“The recent escalation of violent federal immigration enforcement activity threatens the safety of all Chicagoans. Their reckless behavior and indiscriminate use of chemical agents have caused chaos and fear in our communities. While I do not welcome federal agents operating in this capacity, I unequivocally condemn violence directed at them.
“I am deeply concerned by the reports by DHS of a shooting at a federal agent. That concern is compounded by a recent federal court finding that federal immigration enforcement agents lacked credibility in their descriptions of both their own conduct and that of Chicago residents. Federal authorities are investigating the incident, and I will continue to monitor it closely.
“I have asked Superintendent Snelling for a detailed report-out concerning CPD’s presence and activities during immigration enforcement to ensure that we remain in full compliance with our Welcoming City ordinance. While conducting crowd and traffic control, a CPD officer was struck by a vehicle and other officers sustained injuries as well. Violence of any kind against CPD officers is unacceptable and I strongly condemn it.
“To our residents who are providing care, resources, and protection to communities under attack by the federal government: document activity, inform your neighbors of their rights and keep a safe distance from federal agents.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
