An undocumented father who was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent had just dropped his two sons off at school, his family have said.
Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez was shot dead in Chicago on Friday after he “resisted arrest, attempted to flee the scene and dragged an ICE officer a significant distance with his car,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement.
His family have since revealed that Villegas-Gonzalez died “shortly after he dropped off his sons at school” in a GoFundMe fundraising page.
Newsweek has contacted DHS, ICE and Villegas-Gonzalez’s attorney, Manuel Cardenas, for comment.
Why It Matters
The case touches on larger national debates over immigration enforcement tactics, the use of force by federal agents and community safety during intensified operations such as the agency’s recent increased activities in the Chicago area.
It comes as President Donald Trump‘s 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.
Law enforcement personnel investigate after the Department of Homeland Security said an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man in the Franklin Park suburb of Chicago on September 12, 2025.
Law enforcement personnel investigate after the Department of Homeland Security said an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man in the Franklin Park suburb of Chicago on September 12, 2025.
AP
What To Know
Villegas-Gonzalez, who DHS called a “criminal illegal alien,” was approached by ICE agents during a vehicle stop on Friday morning, the department said.
“He refused to follow law enforcement’s commands and drove his car at law enforcement officers,” DHS said. “One of the ICE officers was hit by the car and dragged a significant distance. Fearing for his own life, the officer fired his weapon.”
The Villegas-Gonzalez family has since started a GoFundMe page, where they said: “It is cruel what ICE agents did to him shortly after he dropped off his sons at school.”
Illinois U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez, a Democrat, also spoke at a news conference on Saturday about how Villegas-Gonzalez had just dropped his children off at school before he was shot, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
DHS said that ICE was targeting “a criminal illegal alien with a history of reckless driving” who “entered the country at an unknown date and time.”
CBS News Chicago revealed that Villegas-Gonzalez had four traffic violations between 2010 and 2019—his offenses included speeding, an expired driver’s license, not having insurance and not having a child restraint seat.
Cardenas, who had represented Villegas-Gonzalez in two of these cases, said they were both resolved “favorably” and “neither of them involved criminal violence.”
The ICE agent involved was injured in the incident, having sustained multiple injuries, but was in stable condition as of Sunday, DHS said.
What People Are Saying
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement: “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.”
Attorney Manuel Cardenas told the Chicago Sun Times: “They are vilifying him, they’re making him look up to be like some monster, which he wasn’t. He was just a working man. Probably got startled.
“There was no indication from when I met with him that he was a violent man or that he was interested in hurting anybody.”
Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez’s family said in their fundraising message: “Silverio passed away after ICE agents shot him fatally, leaving behind not only loving family and friends, but also a legacy of warmth, resilience, and deep compassion. He was someone who always extended a helping hand, shared his smile freely, and showed up for those he loved—no matter the circumstances.”
What Happens Next
Federal authorities, including the FBI, are investigating the shooting and will review available evidence, including any surveillance or body-worn camera footage if it exists; not all federal agents are required to wear body cameras. Local lawmakers and advocates have called for the release of all footage and for an independent review of the use of force.
“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,” Illinois Democratic Governor JB Pritzker wrote on X.