A massive manhunt is currently underway after federal immigration agents became the targets of a series of violent assaults on Saturday. These incidents occurred during enforcement operations in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, where rioters launched attacks by firing guns, throwing debris, and ramming vehicles. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has described the attacks as an unprecedented assault on law enforcement.

DHS reported that agents found themselves trapped in a street and alley while attempting to make an arrest. During this confrontation, a man driving a black Jeep opened fire on them before making a rapid getaway.

The situation intensified as agents deployed a flash-bang device in response to the escalating violence. Meanwhile, crowds hurled bricks and paint cans from rooftops. Chicago police were called in to assist in evacuating the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although multiple vehicles sustained damage.

The violence spread over several city blocks, with agents facing four separate attempts to ram their convoy. One such attempt occurred near an FBI facility, where demonstrators tried to breach the perimeter. Police eventually restored order, but protesters continued to block streets and throw objects. This prompted agents to employ crowd control measures to clear a path.

Federal law enforcement vehicles were left damaged after rioters attacked with bricks and other objects during these violent confrontations with U.S. Border Patrol agents in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on November 8, 2025. (Department of Homeland Security)

Over roughly three hours, agents came under gunfire, were rammed four times and faced mobs hurling debris.

Nine people — including eight U.S. citizens and one non-citizen — were arrested on charges ranging from assault to obstruction. DHS said the gunman who fired on agents remains at large.

The department described the assaults as part of “a growing and dangerous trend of violence and obstruction” targeting federal law enforcement.

Broken glass and dented panels mark the aftermath of attacks on federal vehicles as Border Patrol agents faced gunfire and mob violence in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on Nov. 8, 2025. (Department of Homeland Security)

Chicago police confirmed no officers or agents were struck by gunfire. The attacks quickly drew political reaction from Homeland Security officials.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin directly blamed Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for fostering hostility toward law enforcement and accused the media of spreading false narratives about immigration operations.

“JB Pritzker and Brandon Johnson have fueled an environment of lawlessness and assault on federal law enforcement,” McLaughlin said.

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conduct operations in the Little Village neighborhood, a predominantly Mexican American community in Chicago, on Nov. 8, 2025.  (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)

She said agents endured gunfire, violent mobs, and vehicle attacks across Chicago in less than three hours, describing the wave of assaults as “unprecedented” and the product of anti-police rhetoric.

“Make no mistake: Our mission will continue despite the violence,” she said. “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.”

DHS said it is working with the FBI and Chicago police to find the gunman and review security protocols for future operations.