Lakeview residentFederal immigration agents hopped a fence and took a worker, prompting neighbors to immediately protest the detention on Friday afternoon.
Federal immigration agents took a construction worker and dispersed tear gas on Chicago’s North Side on Friday.
Shortly after 12 p.m., the agents arrived as workers were eating lunch outside a home near the intersection of Lakewood Avenue and Henderson Street, according to Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th) and nearby residents.
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The agents jumped over a locked fence to access the front yard.
“One of the four workers was abducted and taken away,” Lawson told Borderless Magazine.
“We are concerned about the gentleman who was taken…and are working with Congressman [Mike] Quigley and State Rep. Ann Williams to make sure he receives the support he deserves,” Bennett said.
In recent days, immigration agents have continued widespread raids across Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Border Patrol carried out back-to-back sweeps in Little Village, prompting neighbors to come out in an effort to quell the agents’ aggressive behavior.
A federal judge recently ruled that federal agents who aren’t undercover are required to carry visible identification, wear body cams when available, and not make warrantless arrests. They also said agents couldn’t use tear gas on journalists and protesters who aren’t posing a threat.
On Friday afternoon, some neighbors noticed the SUV driving on the wrong side of the street and heard a growing commotion. People started coming out of their homes, began filming, blowing whistles, and telling agents to leave just blocks from Wrigley Field. Agents later deployed gas canisters on the sidewalks.
“I’m proud of my neighbors who are coming out and standing up,” Bennett said. “We’re stronger together.”
Lakeview resident Alyson Lewis said residents were coming out of their homes, blowing whistles and yelling at agents to leave before they deployed tear gas.
Another resident, who asked not to be named out of safety concerns, heard shouting that grew increasingly louder. The resident looked out their window to see the ICE agents.
“You could see people coming from out of their houses to help and scream at the officers, most of whom had gas canisters in each hand,” the resident said.
The resident said agents were flipping off protestors, taunting, and “threatening to arrest anyone who was in their way.”
Shortly after, the street was “full of gas.”
“Nobody should have to feel afraid in their own home,” the resident said. “It’s extremely heartbreaking…I don’t think anyone feels safe right now.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Mauricio Peña is Borderless Magazine’s chief of staff. Email Mauricio at [email protected].
