CHICAGO (AP) — A suburban Chicago father and his 1-year-old daughter were pepper-sprayed at close range while grocery shopping over the weekend, following an encounter with federal immigration agents, according to the family. Rafael Veraza reported that the incident occurred in the parking lot of a Sam’s Club in Cicero on Saturday, amid escalating clashes between immigration agents and local residents. This suburb is adjacent to Little Village, a predominantly Mexican neighborhood that has been a focal point of recent federal immigration crackdowns.
As Veraza and his family were preparing to leave the parking lot, they noticed a helicopter overhead and the typical honking that signals the presence of federal agents in the area. They attempted to leave, but were met with a masked agent who pointed a pepper-spray gun through their open car window and discharged it. Footage captured by the family shows Veraza struggling to open his eyes while his daughter, Arianna, grasped for breath.
The family was not protesting or attempting to interfere, Veraza asserted, yet they were subjected to an aggressive response from law enforcement. Nearby, the Rev. Matt DeMateo, a longtime community pastor, rushed to assist and recorded moments of distress, illustrating the panic that ensued.
Veraza commented on the absurdity of an innocent family being attacked while shopping, calling for better methods of addressing such operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security denied the family's account of events, stating there was no use of crowd control measures in the parking lot.
On Saturday, the region dealt with chaotic encounters resulting from an immigration enforcement operation that has led to over 3,200 arrests linked to immigration violations. The aggressive tactics employed by federal agents, including the widespread use of chemical agents across the city and suburbs, have been criticized amid legal challenges. Little Village saw an increase in tension, with many community members utilizing car horns and whistles to alert others to the presence of ICE agents.
While federal officials contend that they faced hostile crowds and that protesters were aggressive, local residents describe experiencing unprovoked aggression from law enforcement. Various protests and incidents of conflict led to damaged police vehicles, emphasizing the community's frustration with current immigration tactics. The series of events has prompted discussions regarding the methodologies utilized by federal immigration agents and their implications on daily life for residents in affected neighborhoods.
As Veraza and his family were preparing to leave the parking lot, they noticed a helicopter overhead and the typical honking that signals the presence of federal agents in the area. They attempted to leave, but were met with a masked agent who pointed a pepper-spray gun through their open car window and discharged it. Footage captured by the family shows Veraza struggling to open his eyes while his daughter, Arianna, grasped for breath.
The family was not protesting or attempting to interfere, Veraza asserted, yet they were subjected to an aggressive response from law enforcement. Nearby, the Rev. Matt DeMateo, a longtime community pastor, rushed to assist and recorded moments of distress, illustrating the panic that ensued.
Veraza commented on the absurdity of an innocent family being attacked while shopping, calling for better methods of addressing such operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security denied the family's account of events, stating there was no use of crowd control measures in the parking lot.
On Saturday, the region dealt with chaotic encounters resulting from an immigration enforcement operation that has led to over 3,200 arrests linked to immigration violations. The aggressive tactics employed by federal agents, including the widespread use of chemical agents across the city and suburbs, have been criticized amid legal challenges. Little Village saw an increase in tension, with many community members utilizing car horns and whistles to alert others to the presence of ICE agents.
While federal officials contend that they faced hostile crowds and that protesters were aggressive, local residents describe experiencing unprovoked aggression from law enforcement. Various protests and incidents of conflict led to damaged police vehicles, emphasizing the community's frustration with current immigration tactics. The series of events has prompted discussions regarding the methodologies utilized by federal immigration agents and their implications on daily life for residents in affected neighborhoods.
