Read on cbsnews.comShots Fired at Border Patrol Agents in Chicago's Little Village Neighborhood
A driver fired shots at Customs and Border Patrol agents in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood on Saturday during immigration enforcement operations, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The incident occurred near 26th Street and Kedzie Avenue, where protesters also threw paint cans and bricks at federal vehicles. Chicago Police responded to clear the scene, though no injuries were reported and the shooter remains at large amid ongoing community protests against increased immigration enforcement in the area.
A driver fired shots at Customs and Border Patrol agents in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood on Saturday, escalating tensions in an area that has seen increased immigration enforcement operations in recent months. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the incident occurred while border patrol agents were conducting immigration enforcement operations near 26th Street and Kedzie Avenue.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
The confrontation began when a man driving a black Jeep fired shots at federal agents during their enforcement activities. In addition to the gunfire, DHS reported that people nearby threw a paint can and bricks at the agents' vehicles, creating a volatile situation that required Chicago Police Department intervention. Officers were called to clear the scene following reports of shots fired, though fortunately there were no reports of anyone struck by gunfire.
As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and the shooter remains at large. The incident represents a significant escalation in community tensions surrounding immigration enforcement operations that have been ongoing in the Chicago area.
Community Response and Political Fallout
The shooting incident occurred amid ongoing community protests against federal immigration enforcement actions. Residents in the area were reportedly blowing whistles and shouting at federal agents in the street, with video from the scene showing agents pointing weapons at people before Chicago Police officers arrived for crowd control.
Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez of the 25th Ward condemned the actions of border patrol agents, stating that multiple people were detained throughout the day, including a father near 23rd and Sawyer. According to Sigcho-Lopez, agents smashed windows and dragged the man out of a car while his 11-year-old son was in the vehicle. The alderman specifically called for CBP Commander Gregory Bovino to be held accountable for what he described as "unconscionable" actions that have put the community in danger.
Broader Context of Operation Midway Blitz
Saturday's incident marks two months since the start of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement effort dubbed "Operation Midway Blitz" began in the Chicago area. Little Village and Pilsen have been among the hardest-hit Chicago neighborhoods by the immigration enforcement operation, with DHS reporting more than 3,000 arrests since the operation began in September.
The operation has faced significant community opposition, including recent incidents where agents fired tear gas at crowds in October and allegations that federal vehicles were seen inside a parking lot of a Chicago public school, violating Mayor Brandon Johnson's executive order barring federal agents from using city-owned property for immigration enforcement operations.
The ongoing tensions have sparked student activism as well, with hundreds of students from Little Village Lawndale High School recently staging a walkout and protest march opposing the increased immigration enforcement. Community leaders continue to call for greater accountability and an end to operations they say are creating dangerous conditions in their neighborhoods.
