Sunday, September 14, 2025 -Latino community leaders and lawmakers in Chicago sharply criticized recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations following a series of incidents that have left many unsettled.
Among these, the most alarming was the fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, who allegedly tried to evade arrest, drove toward ICE agents, and dragged one with his car. The shooting took place in Franklin Park, a suburb of Chicago, during a traffic stop.
On the same day, ICE detained Willian Gimenez in Little Village during what his attorney claims was retaliation tied to his involvement in a lawsuit over immigrant worker treatment.
Leaders including Representative Chuy Garcia and Delia Ramirez called for accountability, transparency, and investigations into ICE’s tactics.
They voiced concerns that these operations, part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” a federal campaign targeting so-called sanctuary protections, are aggressive and erode trust in immigrant communities.
Demonstrations have broken out, especially at ICE’s Broadview facility, where protesters demanded clearer oversight of the agency’s actions.
The fallout may widen political and social divisions in Chicago and beyond. These incidents intensify fear among immigrants who may avoid institutions or authorities, even when entitled to protections.
Politically, they increase pressure on local and state officials to assert stronger safeguards and challenge federal enforcement policies. With Mexican Independence Day approaching, the timing has added urgency to calls for reform and for steps to ensure that enforcement does not become a tool of fear rather than justice.
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