CHICAGO — Latino leaders expressed deep concern over recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Chicago, which resulted in the fatal shooting of a man during a traffic stop and the arrest of an immigrant in a barbershop.
On Friday, an ICE officer fatally shot Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez after he reportedly attempted to evade arrest, prompting widespread outrage. Simultaneously, Willian Gimenez was detained, sparking allegations of retaliation due to his involvement in lawsuits against local authorities.
Despite Gimenez having a work permit and seeking asylum, ICE stated he was arrested for being in the country illegally. Advocates are calling for investigations into these operations and the potential abuses of power by ICE agents.
During a press conference, Rep. Chuy Garcia highlighted the alarming precedent these events set, asking, “If ICE can kill one of our neighbors in broad daylight…what’s to stop them from getting any one of us?”
A protest at an ICE facility led to confrontations between activists and law enforcement, showcasing the escalating tensions in immigrant neighborhoods. Rep. Delia Ramirez demanded a thorough review of the fatal shooting and called for community solidarity.
The Department of Homeland Security recently launched a campaign targeting sanctuary policies, which has intensified fears among Chicago's immigrant communities, particularly as celebrations for Mexican Independence Day approach.
Governor JB Pritzker, known for his opposition to the federal immigration strategy, expressed solidarity with those affected by these actions and emphasized the need for safety and justice in immigrant communities.
