Tensions flared over the weekend in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood as federal immigration agents carried out enforcement actions that reignited debates over use-of-force policies. The incidents came in the wake of a recent court ruling tightening restrictions on how agents can engage with residents and the press.
Saturday’s Operation and Pepper Spray Incident
During federal immigration operations in Little Village on Saturday, law enforcement officials encountered gunfire, thrown objects and several vehicle rammings, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These confrontations occurred just days after a federal judge tightened the rules on officers’ use of force during the Operation Midway Blitz, an injunction now under appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Cellphone footage captured the moment Rafael Veraza and his family were pepper sprayed by Border Patrol agents in a Sam’s Club parking lot in Cicero, just south of the Little Village border. “He started spraying from the front of the car towards the back. Basically I got sprayed all over my face,” Veraza recounted.
Veraza, who has asthma, described immediate respiratory distress: “I’m asthmatic. I’ve been with asthma since I was a little kid. So the moment that it hit me, I couldn’t breathe.” His 1-year-old daughter Arianna also inhaled the irritant, and both were briefly hospitalized. “My daughter was trying to open her eyes,” he said. “She was struggling to breathe.”
Department of Homeland Security Response
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted on social media Sunday: “No. There was no crowd control or pepper spray deployed in a Sam’s Club parking lot. Though, over the weekend in Chicago, law enforcement was shot at, bricks thrown at them, they were rammed with vehicles and other attacks…”
According to a DHS statement, agents first deployed crowd control measures in Little Village after gunshots were fired from a black Jeep Wrangler. “Individuals stalked and followed the convoy into the parking lot and a vehicle rammed a Border Patrol’s vehicle,” the statement read. “After departing the parking lot, the law enforcement convoy was again attacked resulting in a broken window.” Images of damaged vehicles were released, but the statement did not explain why Veraza’s family—who had left the area—was pepper sprayed. “I’m not even doing a thing,” Veraza said. “I’m trying to exit.”
Community Leaders Speak Out
On Sunday, Veraza joined local officials and residents to share his account. He and others decried what they characterized as indiscriminate chemical tactics against protesters and passersby upset over the agents’ presence. “There were ten cars in front of me. There were neighbors all around. People were upset. All of the agents popped out of the car, guns drawn. Did not hear a single warning,” said Pastor Matt DeMateo of New Life Community Church. “I thought my van was going to get hit from behind… I turned to my left. Hadn’t noticed he was there. There was Bovino with the grenade. Pulls the pin. Holds it, carries it, has an interaction with neighbors and then hops into his van.”
Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García labeled the federal response a “campaign of terror” but urged protesters to remain peaceful and continue documenting enforcement activities. “I recognize the anger. I recognize how so many people feel. however if we succumb to violence we will lose our battle,” Rep. García said. “If we succumb to violence our message will get lost.”
Homeland Security referred to those confronting agents as “rioters,” stating that Border Patrol arrested nine individuals Saturday, eight of whom were U.S. citizens. It remains unclear which charges, if any, those arrested face.
Supporting Actions and Rights Education
In reaction to the enforcement push, the Indivisible Chicago Alliance organized a Chicagoland day of action on Sunday, assembling “ICE watch” kits with whistles, buttons and rights pamphlets. The group also held workshops to educate attendees about their legal protections when interacting with federal agents.
Full Department of Homeland Security Statement
“Yesterday around 9:30 AM, in the Chicago neighborhood of Little Village, U.S. Border Patrol was attacked while conducting immigration enforcement operations. Border Patrol was accosted by a hostile crowd that boxed them into a street and alleyway. As they were apprehending a subject, agents came under direct gunfire when a male driving a black Jeep Wrangler fired multiple rounds. He immediately fled the scene.
“Attackers then began throwing bricks and even a paint cans from a roof, damaging Border Patrol vehicles. Chicago Police Department successfully helped law enforcement evacuate the area as more bricks were thrown at the law enforcements’ vehicle. Fortunately, no Border Patrol agents were injured in this attack.
“After clearing the scene of the first attack, Border Patrol then encountered a vehicle that attempted to ram their convoy at the intersection of Cermak and California, but was thwarted when a Controlled Tire Deflation Device was deployed. The Border Patrol convoy then proceeded toward an FBI facility and encountered two drivers trying to impede operations. After they were warned to stop, one of the drivers attempted to ram the convoy. The driver was arrested. Border Patrol reached the FBI facility when rioters attempted to breach security there. Chicago Police responded to help secure the perimeter.
“Border Patrol then left the FBI facility and then encountered protesters lying in the street near 26th and Pulaski. As the rioters refused to comply with basic instructions and began throwing objects, Border Patrol deployed crowd control measures, cleared the area, and proceeded to a Sam’s Club parking lot. Individuals stalked and followed the convoy into the parking lot and a vehicle rammed a Border Patrol’s vehicle. Three suspects were immediately arrested for assault.
“After departing the parking lot, the law enforcement convoy was again attacked resulting in a broken window. The convoy became stuck at 26th and Kostner and sustained window damage along with a fourth vehicle ramming. The subject fled the scene and Border Patrol pursued. This driver remains at large.
“As a result of yesterday’s multiple attacks–fueled by sanctuary politicians and the media–Border Patrol arrested 8 U.S. citizens and one illegal alien. Thankfully, no Border Patrol agents were injured during these multiple attacks.
“‘JB Pritzker and Brandon Johnson have fueled an environment of lawlessness and assault on federal law enforcement,’ said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. ‘In less than three hours in Chicago, Border Patrol faced gunshots, violent mobs at every stop, bricks and other objects thrown at them, and four vehicle rammings. The violence in Chicago against law enforcement is unprecedented–These attacks are the consequence of vitriolic smears from sanctuary politicians and the media. Just last week, Chicago and national media falsely accused law enforcement of raiding a daycare center. Now, they are silent when our agents come under gunfire.
“‘Make no mistake: Our mission will continue despite the violence. To any Antifa terrorist in Chicago: You will not stop us. You will not slow us down. And if you lay a hand on law enforcement, you will face the consequences.’”
Mayor’s Response
“The recent escalation of violent federal immigration enforcement activity threatens the safety of all Chicagoans. Their reckless behavior and indiscriminate use of chemical agents have caused chaos and fear in our communities. While I do not welcome federal agents operating in this capacity, I unequivocally condemn violence directed at them.
“I am deeply concerned by the reports by DHS of a shooting at a federal agent. That concern is compounded by a recent federal court finding that federal immigration enforcement agents lacked credibility in their descriptions of both their own conduct and that of Chicago residents. Federal authorities are investigating the incident, and I will continue to monitor it closely.
“I have asked Superintendent Snelling for a detailed report-out concerning CPD’s presence and activities during immigration enforcement to ensure that we remain in full compliance with our Welcoming City ordinance. While conducting crowd and traffic control, a CPD officer was struck by a vehicle and other officers sustained injuries as well. Violence of any kind against CPD officers is unacceptable and I strongly condemn it.
“To our residents who are providing care, resources, and protection to communities under attack by the federal government: document activity, inform your neighbors of their rights and keep a safe distance from federal agents.”