CHICAGO (WLS) — Community leaders are calling out ICE after chaotic scenes unfolded on the city’s Far South Side, leading to the deployment of chemical agents and arrests.
Leaders from different organizations like the 10th Ward Rapid Response, Alliance of the Southeast and the Chicago Teachers Union among others, spoke out against DHS actions during a news conference Wednesday morning at United Workers Center.
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The response all stems from a Tuesday incident where federal agents deployed tear gas after crowds of people gathered in protest near the intersection of 105th and Avenue N.
DHS says some people there threw eggs at the agents.
Border Patrol agents crashed into another vehicle after a chase involving a driver who the federal government says was undocumented.
DHS says the driver rammed into a DHS vehicle.
The out-of-control situation also led to the arrest of a 15-year-old boy who says he was tackled and arrested by agents even though he says he is an American citizen. He was later released.
But community leaders on the Far South Side said DHS violated a recently granted temporary restraining order, prohibiting the use of chemical agents on demonstrators.
“We do not welcome ICE in the Southeast Side of Chicago, the south suburbs of Chicago, the entire city of Chicago as we will continue to organize and advocate for those who are affected as we see not only but also people of color are being racially profiled by unjust actions,” Ana Guajardo of United Workers Center said.
“The Trump administration continues to lie and claims only to be targeting criminals. But we have seen hardworking people, landscapers, construction workers and street vendors specifically targeted,” Moises Moreno of 10th Ward Rapid Response said. “Our community is a united community bound by a longstanding tradition of resistance and cultural vibrancy.”.
They did previously defend their use of tear gas Tuesday, writing in part, “This incident is not isolated and reflects a growing and dangerous trend of illegal aliens violently resisting arrest and agitators and criminals ramming cars into our law enforcement officers.”
DHS says two people, who they allege are undocumented, were arrested on Tuesday.
Any claims that CBP ‘kidnapped’ a U.S. citizen and held him in a warehouse are categorically FALSE. These are more disgusting smears peddled by the media and billboard law firms.
A DHS spokesperson said claims that CBP kidnapped a U.S. citizen are false, saying, “Here are the facts: immediately following illegal aliens ramming law enforcement with their vehicle, which resulted in the arrest of two illegal aliens from Venezuela, a violent mob began surround law enforcement. Among them, a U.S. citizen teenager threw eggs and hit a CBP Officer in the head. Agents observed him gathering rocks after objects had already been thrown at law enforcement officers. The individual was arrested for the assault and taken to the FBI Field Office in Chicago where he freely admitted without questioning to throwing eggs at agents. His attorney met with him at the field office, and he was released without charges.
“Our officers are facing a surge in assaults against them-without pay during the Democrats’ shutdown-as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, and gang members. Secretary Noem’s message to the rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. CBP and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
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