Increase in ICE Operations Raises Concerns in Chicago's Latino Community

Tue Oct 21 2025 18:29:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Following a series of aggressive immigration enforcement actions in Chicago, including a fatal shooting and protests, Latino leaders express their dismay and raise alarm about community safety.

Latino leaders in Chicago are voicing their concerns over recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations that resulted in a tragic shooting during a traffic stop and heightened tensions during protests. The fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez by an ICE officer has sparked debates about the enforcement's impact on local communities, especially among Latinos. Advocates are calling for investigations and community solidarity against ICE's tactics amidst fears surrounding upcoming celebrations like Mexican Independence Day.

CHICAGO (AP) — Latino leaders expressed dismay Saturday over recent immigration enforcement operations in Chicago that led to a tragic shooting, arrests, and tense protests at immigration facilities.

During an ICE operation, Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez was shot by an officer after allegedly attempting to evade arrest, raising alarm among community members. In another incident, Willian Gimenez was detained under contentious circumstances amid claims of retaliation.

Rep. Chuy Garcia and other local officials are calling for thorough investigations and questioning the safety of communities under such enforcement tactics while community protests reflect an escalating fear about ICE's presence, particularly with upcoming events like Mexican Independence Day celebrating on September 16.

These incidents force us to ask, if ICE can kill one of our neighbors in broad daylight… what’s to stop them from coming for any of us? Garcia stated, advocating for solidarity within the community.