A gunman allegedly opened fire on Border Patrol agents during immigration operations in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, prompting a federal manhunt. The suspect, driving a black Jeep, opened fire on agents before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported in the incident, according to authorities. The operation, part of broader immigration enforcement efforts, has led to tensions in the community, with local officials criticizing the actions of federal agents.
Chicago Alderman Michael Rodriguez accused agents of causing “unconstitutional” actions, while another Alderman, Byron Sigcho-Lopez, questioned the presence of immigration enforcement in the predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood. The situation has escalated further as crowds surrounded agents, leading to a flash bang deployment and the detention of at least one individual. DHS officials have cited the incident as part of a broader trend of violence and obstruction against federal law enforcement, emphasizing the dangers faced by agents during such operations.
Border Patrol agents were conducting immigration enforcement operations in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood when a man driving a black Jeep fired shots at agents and fled, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Chicago Police Department told Fox News Digital there are no reports of anyone being struck by gunfire. Following the shooting, a group of people threw a paint can and bricks at border patrol vehicles, DHS said.
FOX 32 Chicago reported a flash bang was deployed as crowds surrounded federal agents for multiple blocks. At least one person was detained, according to the outlet. City Alderman Michael Rodriguez of the 22nd Ward posted a video to Facebook accusing the agents of “causing all sorts of mayhem.” “They’re doing things that are unconstitutional, that are illegal,” Rodriguez said. “They are causing fear and mayhem in our communities, and that’s unacceptable.”
Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez of the 25th Ward was also livestreaming the chaos on social media. Sigcho-Lopez appeared to confront immigration agents, questioning them about why they were in the neighborhood, known as a largely Mexican-American community. Chicago police were called for assistance and cleared the scene. The shooter and vehicle remain at large, DHS officials said.
“This incident is not isolated and reflects a growing and dangerous trend of violence and obstruction,” DHS wrote in a statement on X. “Over the past two months, we’ve seen an increase in assaults and obstruction targeting federal law enforcement during operations.” Chief Border Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino fired back at an X user who said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents “illegally fired tear gas into the street,” saying there is “more to come.” “Funny, you keep leaving out key facts including several shots fired at agents by a suspect, violent mobs throwing bricks and assaultive subjects,” Bovino wrote in a post. “We still managed to apprehend illegal aliens today in Little Village. More to come. These confrontations highlight the dangers our agents face daily and the escalating aggression toward law enforcement. The violence must end.”