On Friday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shot and killed a man near Chicago after he allegedly drove his vehicle toward a group of agents. A representative from the Department of Homeland Security indicated that the agents were attempting to arrest the man, who resisted and attempted to flee by driving toward them. During the incident, an ICE agent was reportedly dragged by the vehicle.
The agent, who expressed concern for his safety, discharged his firearm, resulting in the death of the driver, identified as Silverio Villegas-Gonzales. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital. According to officials, the incident occurred during a vehicle stop, where the suspect resisted arrest and struck one officer while trying to escape.
The ICE agent involved sustained severe injuries but is currently in stable condition at the hospital. The Department of Homeland Security noted that Villegas-Gonzales had a criminal history related to reckless driving and was identified as an undocumented migrant who had entered the U.S. at an unspecified time.
A representative from the local police department in Franklin Park stated that they were not part of the incident. In response, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, requesting a thorough and factual account of the events that transpired.
Franklin Park, home to approximately 18,000 residents and situated near O’Hare Airport, has a demographic that is roughly half Hispanic. It was noted that ICE enforcement operations in the Chicago area have intensified recently under directives from the Trump administration. Further details regarding the incident may develop as investigations continue.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn839xqdn5po?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss