CHICAGO (WLS) — Recent events in Little Village have placed a spotlight on federal immigration operations, drawing scrutiny from both the public and the courts. The clashes, happening shortly after a federal judge imposed new limitations on the use of force by immigration officers, have stirred debates about law enforcement tactics.
According to cellphone footage, Rafael Veraza and his family found themselves caught in the middle of these tensions. While at a Sam’s Club parking lot near Little Village, they were caught by surprise when law enforcement agents deployed pepper spray. Veraza described the scene, stating, “He started spraying from the front of the car towards the back. Basically I got sprayed all over my face.”
Veraza, who suffers from asthma, reported immediate difficulties in breathing after the incident. His young daughter, Arianna, also inhaled the chemical, requiring brief hospitalization for respiratory distress. Despite his compliant efforts to leave the area, the use of pepper spray left him questioning the agents’ judgment. “I’m not even doing a thing. I’m trying to exit,” Veraza explained.
Meanwhile, providing their account on social media, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied any pepper spray deployment in the parking lot, with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stating, “No. There was no crowd control or pepper spray deployed in a Sam’s Club parking lot.” Yet, DHS acknowledged that Border Patrol agents entered the lot after employing crowd control in Little Village, reacting to gunfire from a black Jeep Wrangler targeted at them.
Images released by DHS depicted damage to law enforcement vehicles, and reports surfaced of agents being attacked with bricks and a vehicle collision involving a Border Patrol car. The DHS statement elaborated, “Individuals stalked and followed the convoy into the parking lot and a vehicle rammed a Border Patrol’s vehicle.” Despite these confrontations, the rationale behind the incident involving Veraza remains unclarified.
Community members, including Pastor Matt DeMateo and Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García, voiced their concerns about the escalating tension and impact on the neighborhood. Pastor DeMateo recounted, “There were ten cars in front of me. There were neighbors all around. People were upset,” as the agents arrived with “guns drawn.” García condemned the federal actions as a “campaign of terror” and urged the public to continue documenting the events while avoiding violence.
Homeland Security continues to describe the protesters as “rioters,” announcing the arrest of nine individuals—eight of whom are U.S. citizens—from the weekend’s unrest. However, it’s unclear if charges have been brought against those arrested.
In response to enforcement activities, the Indivisible Chicago Alliance organized its second day of action to educate residents about their rights and distribute ICE watch kits in West Town.
The DHS statement provided a detailed timeline, indicating multiple hostile encounters, including gunfire, vehicle ramming, and crowd aggression, as Border Patrol agents navigated various Chicago locations. Tensions further sparked statements from political figures, with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson criticizing the federal operations’ “reckless behavior” and urging people to stay informed about their rights.
Amidst this backdrop, discussions continue on how federal and local authorities can reconcile public safety with enforcement policies, as stakeholders from all sides weigh in on the path forward.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
