DHS: Agents Shot At During Chicago Immigration Operations Amid Clashes With Protesters

The Department of Homeland Security says Border Patrol agents came under gunfire during an immigration enforcement operation in Chicago on Saturday, part of a volatile day that saw tense confrontations between federal agents and protesters across the city. The incidents unfolded as a federal court order limiting agents’ use of force took effect and the government moved to appeal.

According to DHS, the shooting occurred around 9:30 a.m. in the Little Village neighborhood near 26th Street and Kedzie Avenue, when a driver in a black Jeep allegedly fired multiple rounds at agents and fled. No injuries were reported. DHS said a suspect from Mexico was later arrested; Chicago police responded to secure the scene. DHS also reported two separate attempts by drivers to ram a Border Patrol convoy, with one controlled tire-deflation deployment and an additional arrest.

City officials, immigrant advocates, and legal groups countered that federal agents escalated the situation, accusing them of deploying flash-bang devices and pepper spray against largely peaceful demonstrators. Alderman Mike Rodriguez, who was nearby, said he saw flash-bang grenades detonate without hearing prior warnings. Pastor Matt DeMateo offered a similar account and said agents exited vehicles with guns drawn.

The clashes followed a Friday ruling by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, who restricted agents’ use of force in Chicago after finding the government’s evidence “simply not credible.” The judge said Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino had admitted lying about being struck by a rock before deploying tear gas at an earlier protest. The administration filed notice Sunday that it will appeal Ellis’ order to the 7th Circuit.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned violence against federal agents while also criticizing the operations as provocative. DHS leaders described the events as part of a broader pattern of attacks on law enforcement and vowed to continue the mission, warning that assaults on officers will carry consequences.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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