One Year After Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez’s Death, Franklin Park Community Seeks Federal Accountability

MELROSE PARK, Ill. (WLS) — Community leaders, elected officials and residents gathered Saturday to commemorate one year since Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez was shot and killed by a federal agent during Operation Midway Blitz.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

Villegas-Gonzalez was 38 when he was killed during a traffic stop in Franklin Park on Sept. 12, 2025.

Department of Homeland Security officials said at the time that the shooting was justified, alleging Villegas-Gonzalez drove his vehicle toward agents and seriously injured them.

A year later, his supporters say they remain searching for answers about the events that led to his death.

“We need to know exactly what happened,” said Hernan Prieto, deputy director of P.A.S.O. West Suburban Action Project.

At a rally in Melrose Park, organizers and elected leaders called for accountability while investigations into the fatal shooting continue.

The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is investigating the shooting. The case could be referred to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution.

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“We’re also demanding that Eileen Burke does her job and also does an investigation,” said state Rep. Norma Hernandez, D-Melrose Park, who represents the 77th District.

Elected leaders said they also want federal officials to take further action.

“I think in many cases it feels like we are exactly where we were the day after still waiting to see justice,” said U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez.

“So we are working on demanding this investigation from the FBI. I am going to do more of that within the oversight committee of Homeland Security which I serve on,” Ramirez said.

The anniversary was also observed in Franklin Park, where a mass was held in honor of Villegas-Gonzalez. Village officials are working to create a permanent memorial space dedicated to his memory.

Attorneys representing the Villegas-Gonzalez family said they plan to file a lawsuit against the U.S. government as part of the family’s effort to seek accountability for his death.