CHICAGO – Federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in the city’s Northwest suburbs who they say was resisting arrest and dragged an agent with his car, officials said on Sep. 12.
U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement officials said that the man they were attempting to arrest ignored commands from federal agents and drove his car into an officer attempting to arrest him. The agent suffered multiple injuries and is in stable condition, according to an agency statement.
DHS said in a statement that the situation arose from an "enforcement operation targeting a criminal illegal alien" and that agents had "conducted a vehicle stop to arrest" the man.
"We are praying for the speedy recovery of our law enforcement officer. He followed his training, used appropriate force, and properly enforced the law to protect the public and law enforcement," said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. "Viral social media videos and activists encouraging illegal aliens to resist law enforcement not only spread misinformation, but also undermine public safety, as well as the safety of our officers and those being apprehended."
The fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez comes about a week into Operation Midway Blitz, a crackdown on immigration enforcement in the Chicago area ordered by President Donald Trump. The White House has said a crackdown is aimed at "the worst of the worst" criminal immigrants.
