Federal immigration raids in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood turned violent Saturday, underscoring growing tensions over the government’s intensified crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
A cellphone video captured the chaotic scene that morning when Rafael Veraza and his family were caught in the middle of the raid, as Border Patrol agents deployed pepper spray in a Sam’s Club parking lot in Cicero, just outside Little Village.
The clashes came just days after a federal judge imposed stricter limits on how immigration agents can use force against civilians and journalists during Operation Midway Blitz.
“He started spraying from the front of the car toward the back. Basically, I got sprayed all over my face,” Veraza recalled, describing how the burning sensation hit him almost instantly. “I’m asthmatic. I’ve been with asthma since I was a little kid,” he said. “So the moment that it hit me, I couldn’t breathe.”
Veraza said his one-year-old daughter, Arianna, who was in the back seat, also inhaled the pepper spray. Both were taken to the hospital for treatment and later released. “My daughter was trying to open her eyes,” Veraza said. “She was struggling to breathe.”
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In response, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted a statement to social media Sunday, writing, “No. There was no crowd control or pepper spray deployed in a Sam’s Club parking lot. Though, over the weekend in Chicago, law enforcement was shot at, bricks thrown at them, they were rammed with vehicles and other attacks…”
According to Homeland Security officials, Border Patrol agents entered the Sam’s Club parking lot after using crowd control tactics on residents in Little Village. The agency claimed the response followed reports of gunfire from a black Jeep Wrangler allegedly aimed at the agents.
“Individuals stalked and followed the convoy into the parking lot and a vehicle rammed a Border Patrol’s vehicle,” a DHS statement reads in part. “After departing the parking lot, the law enforcement convoy was again attacked resulting in a broken window.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later released photos of the alleged incident but offered no clarification on why Veraza and his family — who said they were simply leaving the area after noticing the agents — became targets of the pepper spray. “I’m not even doing a thing,” Veraza said. “I’m trying to exit.”
On Sunday, Veraza spoke publicly about the incident, joined by local leaders and community members who condemned what they described as an excessive and indiscriminate use of force by federal agents. They accused officials of punishing an entire neighborhood with tear gas and other chemical agents after the reported gunfire.
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“There were ten cars in front of me. There were neighbors all around. People were upset. All of the agents popped out of the car, guns drawn. Did not hear a single warning,” said Pastor Matt DeMateo with New Life Community Church. “I thought my van was going to get hit from behind… I turned to my left. Hadn’t noticed he was there. There was Bovino with the grenade. Pulls the pin. Holds it, carries it, has an interaction with neighbors and then hops into his van.”
Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García denounced what he described as the federal government’s “campaign of terror” against Chicago, while urging residents to remain calm and continue documenting what they witness.
“I recognize the anger. I recognize how so many people feel. However, if we succumb to violence we will lose our battle,” Rep. García said. “If we succumb to violence our message will get lost.”
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security defended its agents, saying, “In less than three hours in Chicago, Border Patrol faced gunshots, violent mobs at every stop, bricks and other objects thrown at them, and four vehicle rammings. The violence in Chicago against law enforcement is unprecedented — these attacks are the consequence of vitriolic smears from sanctuary politicians and the media. Just last week, Chicago and national media falsely accused law enforcement of raiding a daycare center. Now, they are silent when our agents come under gunfire.”
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The statement continued, “Make no mistake: Our mission will continue despite the violence. To any Antifa terrorist in Chicago: You will not stop us. You will not slow us down. And if you lay a hand on law enforcement, you will face the consequences.”
Responding to the incident, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement Sunday evening: “The recent escalation of violent federal immigration enforcement activity threatens the safety of all Chicagoans. Their reckless behavior and indiscriminate use of chemical agents have caused chaos and fear in our communities. While I do not welcome federal agents operating in this capacity, I unequivocally condemn violence directed at them.”
“I am deeply concerned by the reports by DHS of a shooting at a federal agent. That concern is compounded by a recent federal court finding that federal immigration enforcement agents lacked credibility in their descriptions of both their own conduct and that of Chicago residents. Federal authorities are investigating the incident, and I will continue to monitor it closely.”
Mayor Johnson added, “To our residents who are providing care, resources, and protection to communities under attack by the federal government: document activity, inform your neighbors of their rights and keep a safe distance from federal agents.”