On Saturday morning, U.S. Border Patrol shot a woman in Chicago’s Southwest Side. This marks the second shooting involving federal agents since an intensified immigration enforcement operation began in the area last month.
Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security explained that the shooting occurred when agents were “boxed in” by ten cars. They fired when they found the woman armed with a semi-automatic weapon while driving one of the vehicles.
However, independent sources, including the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ, have not confirmed this version of events. McLaughlin stated that no law enforcement officers were seriously hurt, and the injured woman managed to drive herself to the hospital. Larry Merritt from the Chicago Fire Department reported that she was found near 39th Street and Kedzie Avenue and was in fair condition at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Records show that a Border Patrol agent had called for assistance, reporting about 30 agents surrounded by a large crowd. However, according to police, they were not dispatched to assist. A police spokesperson later arrived to document the shooting and maintain safety in the area, emphasizing that the Chicago Police Department is not involved in the investigation, which is reserved for federal authorities.
In the afternoon, a crowd gathered to protest the shooting. Federal agents responded by using pepper balls and tear gas. Local resident Elizabeth Ruiz spoke out, saying agents had previously rammed a vehicle into her son’s truck. Her son, a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody. “Why would they take him? He was just at the wrong place at the wrong time,” she lamented.
Another witness, Matthew, 34, shared his fear after hearing gunshots and seeing federal agents react. “It’s scary and it’s wrong,” he said.
This shooting follows the recent death of Silverio Villegas González, a 38-year-old Mexican immigrant fatally shot by federal agents during a traffic stop. Reports indicate that he resisted arrest and tried to drive into the officers. While DHS claimed one officer was seriously injured, body-worn camera footage revealed he described his injuries as “nothing major.”
As tensions rise, this incident adds to the growing concern over the aggressive tactics of immigration enforcement in Chicago. Public opinion remains divided, with many calling for reform and accountability. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 60% of Americans favor a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, highlighting a significant shift in attitudes towards immigration policy in the U.S.
This complex issue continues to evolve, and as it unfolds, the community’s reactions will play a crucial role in shaping the discourse surrounding immigration and border enforcement in America.
