Suspect Detained in Connection with Alleged Shooting Incident Involving Federal Agents in Chicago

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CHICAGO () An individual suspected of involvement in a shooting incident targeting U.S. Border Patrol agents in Chicago’s Little Village area over the weekend has been apprehended, according to a source on Monday.

While the identity of the person in custody has not been confirmed, it is not yet clear if this individual is the same man accused by the Department of Homeland Security of discharging several rounds from a black Jeep at agents during a Saturday operation in Little Village. Thankfully, no agents were harmed in the event.

Details from DHS sources reveal that the detainee is a Mexican national with a prior conviction for weapons charges, and who is believed to have unlawfully entered the United States. The individual is also detained under the Laken Riley Act for allegedly assaulting federal agents, as stated by a DHS representative on Monday.

Authorities report that the suspect was inside the Jeep from which shots were allegedly fired at federal agents. Efforts are underway to verify if the arrested individual is indeed the alleged shooter.

Officials said on Sunday that the driver of the black Jeep left the area after the shots were allegedly fired. A DHS spokesperson said that local residents reportedly threw bricks and a paint can at Border Patrol vehicles during Saturday’s incident.

Little Village has remained the site of multiple clashes between federal agents and residents. The heavily Hispanic-populated neighborhood began a whistle-blowing campaign shortly after “Operation Midway Blitz,” which began in early October. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was also captured on video throwing a canister of tear gas at protesters in Little Village, which led to Bovino being required to appear in person before U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis over his use of non-lethal munitions.

Ellis issued a preliminary injunction last week, which extends the restrictions on federal agents in their use of force against journalists, protesters and clergy. The order, which attorneys representing the Trump administration said it is appealing, prevents agents from using tear gas and pepper balls against protesters who do not pose an immediate threat to agents.

The order also requires federal officers and agents to use body-worn cameras. In her order, Ellis said that she believes federal agents were continuing to violate a temporary restraining order issued in early October. The judge said last week she was granting the injunction because of continued acts of force that she said “shock the conscience.”

“Each and every time, (federal agents) left destruction in their wake,” Illinois Sen. Celina Villanueva, a Democrat, recently said. “They left traumatized people in their wake.”

Amid the anger being directed at federal agents who Little Village officials insist are targeting the neighborhood, DHS officials said federal agents are being targeted by members of the Latin Kings street gang. The gang, which has between 20,000 and 35,000 members in 34 states, has reportedly issued a “shoot on sight” order that is being directed at federal agents working immigration enforcement operations like the one in Chicago.

In response to the directive given to Latin Kings members, Bovino told that the gang “has messed with the wrong group possible”, adding, “(agents) will degrade, dismantle and destroy” the Latin Kings.