Federal agents, protesters clash in Brighton Park as tensions rise over expanded immigration enforcement
Violent Confrontation Erupts During ICE Protest in Chicago
A woman was shot by US Border Patrol agents on Saturday in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood, amid mass protests against increased federal immigration enforcement. The incident occurred as demonstrators faced off with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in what has become a flashpoint for national immigration policy debates.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the woman—who was reportedly armed with a semi-automatic weapon—was part of a group that rammed vehicles into ICE cars. She later drove herself to the hospital, and her condition remains unknown.
DHS Responds with Force: Rubber Bullets, Pepper Spray Deployed
- ICE agents responded using pepper spray and rubber bullets, resulting in violent clashes with protesters.
- DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the woman was armed and part of an aggressive vehicle assault.
- No federal officers sustained serious injuries during the altercation.
Homeland Security Calls in Special Ops, Trump Deploys National Guard
- US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the deployment of special operations units to restore order in Chicago.
- President Donald Trump authorized the mobilization of 300 National Guard troops to protect federal personnel and assets.
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the move, calling it “outrageous and un-American,” stating he was pressured to authorize state troop deployment.
“To demand a governor send military troops within our own borders and against our will is an affront to democracy,” said Pritzker.
Ongoing Protests in Chicago and Beyond
Protests against federal immigration actions have intensified in Chicago and other Democratic-led cities, including:
- Broadview, IL: Protesters clashed with ICE personnel on Friday outside a federal detention facility.
- Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles, and Portland have seen similar confrontations.
- Protesters have accused federal agents of using military-grade tactics on civilians.
On Saturday, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s authorization of 200 National Guard troops to Portland, citing concerns over escalation of violence.
Summary
- Armed woman shot by US Border Patrol during ICE protest in Chicago
- Part of group that rammed vehicles into ICE cars
- Tensions rising amid increased federal presence and violent protest crackdowns
- National Guard deployed by Trump; Illinois Governor opposes move
- Clashes echo similar protests in multiple US cities
