Camilla Forte/Borderless MagazineOfficials called the encounter “intimidating” as federal agents lingered and refused to leave the property. The Department of Homeland Security denied targeting the museum.
Local officials are sounding the alarm after federal agents surveyed the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture ahead of upcoming cultural festivals.
During a press conference on Wednesday, museum leaders and elected officials spoke out after “an intimidating encounter” with federal agents earlier this week in Humboldt Park.
Around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, dozens of unmarked vehicles arrived at the museum, where they lingered for more than an hour.
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At least two federal officers entered the building. They were approached by museum staff and agents asked to use the restroom. CCTV footage shown to Borderless Magazine shows the officers being directed by a staff member in one direction but walking toward the exhibit area instead.
Museum staff overheard federal agents reviewing entry and exit points and discussing upcoming events, though they could not make out which ones specifically, officials said.
Victoria Ocasio, the museum’s director of education and programming, said staff felt intimidated by the officers and unsure of how to prevent them from entering the building.
The incident comes days ahead of a string of community events, including Barrio Arts Fest on July 12-13, Colombian Fest on July 18-20, and Fiesta Boricua in August. These events often draw large crowds.
During the incident, museum staff alleged federal agents refused to show a warrant, badge or other form of identification when requested. Agents also refused to leave the museum grounds and walked the property when asked to leave, according to community leaders.
CCTV footage shows at least one officer wearing a shirt with the words police and a badge. Other agents were wearing unmarked clothing.
Surveillance footage showed cars stationed in the museum’s parking lot and multiple men dressed in black walking into the museum grounds.
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In a written statement, the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistant Secretary, Tricia McLaughlin, called the claims “false.”
“The Department of Homeland Security did not target the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture,” McLaughlin said. “On July 8, HSI Chicago’s Financial Crimes Task Force (FCTF) staged and held a quick briefing in the Museum’s parking lot in advance of an enforcement action related to a narcotics investigation.”
Homeland Security Investigations, a federal law enforcement agency at the Department of Homeland Security, declined to comment on ongoing investigations.
Over the last month, ICE agents have carried out widespread enforcements while wearing masks and failing to identify themselves. Earlier this week, congressional leaders introduced legislation to ensure federal immigration agents identify themselves on the job.
“We have to make sure we pass legislation so these masks finally come off, ” U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez said Wednesday morning.
Community leaders said they are concerned about possible targets, but encourage residents to attend Know Your Rights workshops and contact their local immigration support network.
Ahead of the upcoming festivals, museum staff and local officials are taking additional precautions to protect attendees.
“We’re going to have our own security and attorneys on board just to make sure that no one is harassed,” said Billy Ocasio, President of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. “We want all our community to feel safe when coming to this.”
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