Federal immigration agents in Chicago have been accused of using increasingly aggressive tactics, including deploying helicopters, chemical agents, and zip-tying children, prompting widespread condemnation from activists and state officials. The operations, part of a nationwide crackdown, have led to over 1,000 arrests in the Chicago area since last month.
In one incident, agents used unmarked trucks and a Black Hawk helicopter to surround an apartment building in the South Shore neighbourhood, a largely Black area with a small influx of asylum seekers. Residents reported that agents broke down doors, woke families, and restrained parents and children with zip ties. Rodrick Johnson, a 67-year-old US citizen, said agents broke through his door and detained him for hours despite his requests for a warrant and a lawyer.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the 'military-style tactics', particularly the zip-tying of children, and has directed state agencies to investigate. 'They fire tear gas and smoke grenades, and they make it look like it’s a war zone,' he said on CNN. The Department of Homeland Security defended the operations, citing links to the Tren de Aragua gang, but did not provide details on arrests or how children were treated.
Chemical agents have been used more frequently, including near Funston Elementary School in Logan Square, forcing children to stay indoors during recess. On the same day, Chicago Alderperson Jessie Fuentes was handcuffed at a hospital after asking agents for a warrant for a man who had broken his leg while being chased by ICE. State Representative Lilian Jiménez said, 'ICE acted like an invading army in our neighbourhoods.'
Activists report that an emergency hotline for reporting agent sightings received over 800 calls on Friday alone. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights stated, 'It is plain and clear that ICE and CBP are violent forces in our communities.'
