Community leaders condemn ICE arrest of US citizen in Illinois
Share and Follow


WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WGN) A 23-year-old U.S. citizen was arrested and released in Waukegan Monday as federal agents ramp up immigration arrests in Lake County.

The news comes amid accusations of heavy-handed policing and community leaders are calling it un-American.

“I didn’t resist. I complied and everything and they shoved me into the car,” Lake County resident Dariana Fajardo, who was arrested and released in Waukegan on Monday, said. “It was very scary, but there’s people who have been through a lot worse.”

In a written statement, Department of Homeland Security spokespeople said federal agents took action after Dariana, who was driving her car, allegedly tried to box in ICE vehicles. Dariana denied those accusations.

“He was telling me to get in and how can I get in if you’re shoving me into the seat,” Dariana said.

Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham tried to come to Dariana’s aid as well, to no avail.

“We’re in uncharted territory right now. It’s not what we think is right. It’s what they think is right,” Cunningham said.

Dariana’s family and other community leaders said the arrest was unwarranted.

“Clearly she had her passport with her. They didn’t even grab that. They threw it in the car, left it behind,” Dariana’s cousin Sandra Fajardo said.

U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Illinois) criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Schneider and other community leaders went to Waukegan’s Veterans Memorial Plaza to protest.

“[Trump] is attacking every single American,” Schneider said.

“We have neighbors who are afraid to go to the grocery store. This is un-American,” State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen (D-31st District) added.

A number of community organizers hosted a “know your rights” event Tuesday, doing their best to try and educate the community on what to do should federal agents approach them.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Radical lunatic' arrested for attack on Trump lawyer's office

Suspect Arrested for Alleged Attack on Trump Lawyer’s Office: Authorities Investigate ‘Radical Lunatic’ Claims

A man accused of attacking the New Jersey office of Alina Habba,…
ABC's Juju Chang uncovers exclusive new details about California woman's murder

ABC’s Juju Chang Reveals Exclusive Insights into California Murder Case

In Fresno, California, the latest installment of 20/20 unveils groundbreaking evidence in…
Boston Strangler's unheard confession tapes cast new doubt on 'America’s Jack the Ripper': victim's nephew

Unreleased Confession Tapes of Boston Strangler Stir Fresh Doubts About ‘America’s Jack the Ripper’, Claims Victim’s Nephew

Casey Sherman, whose aunt was the youngest victim linked to the Boston…
Four officers wounded in Kansas shooting; no active public threat

Four Officers Injured in Kansas Shooting: Public Assured No Ongoing Threat

Kansas City business owner fed up with crime Andrew Cameron, the founder…
Triple murderer is executed by firing squad in South Carolina

South Carolina Executes Triple Murderer via Firing Squad

A South Carolina man, convicted of a chilling killing spree, faced execution…
More than 55 women accuse Army OB-GYN of sexual abuse, filming as Fort Hood faces scrutiny over silence

Shocking Allegations: Over 55 Women Accuse Fort Hood Army OB-GYN of Sexual Abuse and Secret Filming

Over 55 women have come forward with allegations against an Army obstetrician-gynecologist…
Chicago crime: Video shows crash-and-grab thieves slam stolen car into Garfield Park store; Humboldt Park shop also hit, CPD says

Chicago Crime Surge: Dramatic Crash-and-Grab Thefts Hit Garfield and Humboldt Park Stores

In a concerning trend, Chicago has recently witnessed a spate of crash-and-grab…
Former Zelenskyy associate accused in $100 million embezzlement scheme

Ex-Zelenskyy Associate Allegedly Involved in $100 Million Embezzlement Scandal

A former colleague of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been implicated as…