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In Prospect Heights, Illinois, federal agents descended upon an apartment complex around 10 a.m. on Monday, drawing significant attention from the local community.
As the agents moved through the area in uniform, many residents sounded whistles and captured the scene on their phones. This effort was intended to alert others of the agents’ presence and ensure their actions were recorded.
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“They spot someone outside and just take them. No questions asked, it’s just over,” remarked activist Aileen Lopez.
A sign at the entrance of the complex explicitly warns uninvited guests to steer clear, but the agents appeared unfazed by the notice.
While the exact target of their operation remains uncertain, shortly after 10 a.m., the agents detained a man. According to friends, he was not a resident but had stopped by to pick up a coworker for a ride to work.
One woman, who wants only her first name, Adriana, used, was recording from her balcony.
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“They don’t care if you’re a citizen or not. They just grab whoever they want to grab,” Adriana said.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately return ABC7’s requests for information.
Activists say the raids have a tremendous impact on the community.
“We don’t see kids playing anymore. The parents are scared to pick up their kids from the school bus stop. It’s very sad,” said activist Francisco Ruiz.
Communities throughout the northwest suburbs are considering laws that would ban federal immigration agents from being on city property without an arrest warrant.
The latest meeting happened on Monday night in Wheeling, where the village board passed a resolution banning the use of village property for immigration efforts.
However, the resolution does not apply to private property or public areas, including streets. The resolution takes effect immediately.
