A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was severely injured after he was hit by a suspect's car, during a Friday traffic stop in Chicago.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was severely injured after he was hit by a suspect's car during a traffic stop in Chicago on Friday.The suspect was shot by officers at the scene and later pronounced dead, an ICE spokesperson confirmed to Newsweek.
Why It MattersThe incident comes as the Trump administration ramps up its immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago under Operation Midway Blitz—seeking out alleged illegal immigrants with criminal records or charges. Protests have been held in the city against the action, with some seeking to protect immigrants without status.Operation Midway Blitz was announced in honor of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old Illinois college student killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run allegedly caused by Guatemalan national Julio Cucul-Bol.The increased immigration enforcement action came following President Donald Trump's claim that he would send the National Guard to the area to combat crime. Troops are now being sent to Memphis, Tennessee.What To KnowAn ICE spokesperson told Newsweek that officers had stopped a man as part of a 'targeted law enforcement activity' in the Franklin Park area of the city.However, they said the individual had 'resisted' and 'attempted to drive his vehicle into the arrest team, striking an officer and subsequently dragging him as he fled the scene.' The Department of Homeland Security said in a separate update that the officer had been dragged 'a significant distance'.'Fearing for his life, the officer discharged his firearm and struck the subject,' the ICE spokesperson added.The officer and the suspect were rushed to a local hospital where the suspect was declared dead and the officer, who sustained severe injuries, remains in a stable condition.ICE said that the target of the enforcement operation was Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, a criminal illegal alien with a history of reckless driving. He entered the country at an unknown date and time.Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said he is aware of the shooting and demanded 'a full, factual accounting of what's happened today to ensure transparency and accountability.'Video from the scene shows police tape and traffic cones blocking off parts of the street where a large food distribution truck and gray car can be seen from a distance. Multiple law enforcement vehicles were surrounding the area.Erendira Rendón, chief program officer at a local advocacy group called the Resurrection Project, said the shooting 'shows us the real danger that militarized enforcement creates in our neighborhoods.'What People Are SayingAssistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, in a statement to Newsweek: 'We are praying for the speedy recovery of our law enforcement officer. He followed his training, used appropriate force, and properly enforced the law to protect the public and law enforcement. Viral social media videos and activists encouraging illegal aliens to resist law enforcement not only spread misinformation, but also undermine public safety, as well as the safety of our officers and those being apprehended.'Erendira Rendón, chief program officer at the Resurrection Project, told the Associated Press: 'A community member is dead, and an officer was injured. These are outcomes that serve no public safety purpose and leave entire communities traumatized. ...When federal agents conduct unaccountable operations in our communities, everyone becomes less safe.'Illinois Democratic Governor JB Pritzker wrote on X: 'This is a developing situation and the people of Illinois deserve a full, factual accounting of what's happened today to ensure transparency and accountability.'What Happens Next?Federal agents are continuing their targeted enforcement action in Chicago and wider Illinois, along with other operations across the U.S. seeking to detain immigrants without legal status.Reporting by the Associated Press contributed to this story.Update 09/12/25 2:29 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information. Update 09/12/25 3:56 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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