Authorities are on the lookout for a man who allegedly shot a U.S. Border Patrol agent during an immigration operation in Chicago on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the Little Village area, where agents were conducting their enforcement operation. A man in a black Jeep reportedly opened fire on the agents before fleeing the scene, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
After the shooting, a crowd reacted by throwing paint cans and bricks at the Border Patrol vehicles. Reports indicate that flash bangs were used as the crowd surrounded federal officers over several blocks.
Locally, there was a significant response. At least one person has been detained, as noted by a local news outlet.
22nd Ward Alderman Michael Rodriguez criticized the operation in a Facebook video, claiming officers were “causing all kinds of mayhem.” He described their actions as unconstitutional and expressed concern about the fear it instilled in the community.
City Councilman Byron Sigcho-Lopez also livestreamed the scene, confronting an immigration officer and questioning their presence in a predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) was called in to assist and search the area.
DHS has expressed that this shooting reflects a troubling trend of violence against federal law enforcement. Over the past two months, there has been a noticeable increase in assaults on agents during operations.
Officials are still searching for the gunman and the vehicle involved, asserting that these confrontations pose ongoing risks for law enforcement personnel.
