Chicago Leaders and Gov. Pritzker Challenge Federal Use of Tear Gas on East Side Residents

In Chicago, community leaders are voicing concerns over the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following a tumultuous incident on the city’s Far South Side. The event, which took place on Tuesday, involved the use of chemical agents and led to several arrests.

During a press conference held Wednesday at the United Workers’ Center, representatives from various groups, including the 10th Ward Rapid Response, Alliance of the Southeast, and the Chicago Teachers Union, criticized the Department of Homeland Security for its handling of the situation.

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The controversy arose from a protest that occurred near the intersection of 105th Street and Avenue N, where federal agents resorted to using tear gas to manage the crowd.

According to DHS, some individuals in the protest allegedly threw eggs at the federal agents, prompting the response.

Additionally, Border Patrol agents were involved in a vehicular collision following a pursuit of a driver whom the federal authorities claim was residing in the U.S. without legal authorization.

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DHS says the driver rammed into a DHS vehicle.

The out-of-control situation also led to the arrest of a 15-year-old boy, who says he was tackled and arrested by agents, even though he says he is an American citizen. He was later released.

Attorneys say he was effectively “disappeared” for five hours.

Gov. JB Pritzker pushed back on the federal immigration crackdown in Chicago, saying ICE is “creating mayhem.”

Pritzker believes ICE may have violated the temporary restraining order that was issued last week, which prohibits the use of chemical agents on demonstrators.

“We do not welcome ICE in the Southeast Side of Chicago, the south suburbs of Chicago, the entire city of Chicago, as we will continue to organize and advocate for those who are affected, as we see not only, but also people of color are being racially profiled by unjust actions,” said Ana Guajardo of United Workers’ Center.

“The Trump administration continues to lie and claims only to be targeting criminals. But we have seen hardworking people, landscapers, construction workers and street vendors specifically targeted,” said Moises Moreno of 10th Ward Rapid Response. “Our community is a united community bound by a longstanding tradition of resistance and cultural vibrancy.”

They did previously defend their use of tear gas Tuesday, writing in part, “This incident is not isolated and reflects a growing and dangerous trend of illegal aliens violently resisting arrest and agitators and criminals ramming cars into our law enforcement officers.”

DHS says two people, who they allege are living in the U.S. without legal permission, were arrested on Tuesday.

A DHS spokesperson said claims that Customs and Border Protection kidnapped a U.S. citizen are false, saying, “Here are the facts: immediately following illegal aliens ramming law enforcement with their vehicle, which resulted in the arrest of two illegal aliens from Venezuela, a violent mob began surround law enforcement. Among them, a U.S. citizen teenager threw eggs and hit a CBP Officer in the head. Agents observed him gathering rocks after objects had already been thrown at law enforcement officers. The individual was arrested for the assault and taken to the FBI Field Office in Chicago where he freely admitted without questioning to throwing eggs at agents. His attorney met with him at the field office, and he was released without charges.

“Our officers are facing a surge in assaults against them-without pay during the Democrats’ shutdown-as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, and gang members. Secretary Noem’s message to the rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. CBP and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Some residents Wednesday were fearful to leave their homes.

“He saw a man with a big rifle right in front of his house. He immediately went back inside because he said, ‘What are we under attack? Is this a war? What’s happening?’” said Maricela Estrada, with United Workers’ Center.

Estrada and the United Workers’ Center were canvassing the neighborhood Wednesday, in an effort to check on those who live there, make sure they understand they have rights and how to respond when ICE and Border Patrol enter their neighborhood.

“It is very important that we stay calm, that we not, do not engage with them, or do we not get provoked by, you know, their tactics,” Estrada said.

“It doesn’t hit you like a reality kind of thing, you know? Like, that’s really them. It’s happening here, like in your neighborhood,” one resident said.

The young man preferred to stay anonymous. He said he was home Tuesday. But unlike many of his neighbors who flocked to the scene, he stayed inside, fearing for his safety.

“When they threw the tear gas, or the smoke or whatever they threw, it was so much that they made it down this way. And I had cops right here just choking,” the resident said. “It feels like they’re just, really going after anybody that looks brown, or just interferes, you know. It just feels like they’re just really after us.”