Introduction to the Incident
Federal authorities opened fire on a woman who was allegedly armed with a gun shortly after their vehicle was rammed and blocked in by a group of cars on the Southwest Side on Saturday afternoon. According to officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the incident unfolded in an area near West 39th Place and South Kedzie Avenue in Brighton Park.
Details of the Incident
DHS officials say border patrol agents were conducting a routine patrol in the area when they were allegedly "attacked and rammed by vehicles and boxed in by 10 cars." Agents exited the trapped vehicle, and officials said that was when a female suspect, who is a US citizen, allegedly attempted to run them over, forcing the agents to open fire.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that the woman who allegedly attempted to run the agents over was also allegedly armed with a "semi-automatic weapon."
Aftermath of the Incident
Officials said after the woman was shot, she drove herself to the hospital. Sources confirmed to WGN-TV that the woman was then hospitalized in critical condition. No agents were wounded during the incident. "One of the drivers who rammed the law enforcement vehicle was armed with a semi-automatic weapon. Law enforcement was forced to deploy their weapons and fired defensive shots at an armed US citizen who drove herself to the hospital to get care for wounds," McLaughlin said.
Reaction to the Incident
McLaughlin added that the woman allegedly involved in the incident was one who had been named in a CBP intelligence bulletin last week for allegedly doxing agents online. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois also issued a statement on the incident: "The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office is aware of this serious incident, which placed officer life and safety at risk. This Department of Justice does not tolerate assaults and obstruction of our brave men and women in federal law enforcement. We will investigate and prosecute all those who assault or obstruct federal law enforcement, including public officials, and we will hold them accountable to the full extent of the law."
Investigation and Response
Federal agents are now investigating the incident, and the FBI is on the scene. An FBI spokesperson issued the following statement on the incident: "FBI assets have responded, and are investigating, the incident in Chicago. Trying to intimidate law enforcement will not slow us down. The mission will not stop." The FBI later issued another statement: "Following recent events during immigration enforcement in Broadview, the FBI and our federal law enforcement and prosecutorial partners continue to aggressively pursue charges and investigate violence against officers, obstruction of justice, and destruction of federal property. Our office is committed to ensuring the safety of Chicago’s streets and all of our neighborhoods."
Deployment of Additional Forces
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she’s deploying "more special operations to control the scene." "Today in Chicago, members of our brave law enforcement were attacked—rammed and boxed in by ten vehicles, including an attacker with a semi-automatic weapon. I am deploying more special operations to control the scene. Reinforcements are on their way. If you see a law enforcement officer today, thank them," Noem wrote on social media platform X.
Local Response and Ongoing Operation
Officials from the Chicago Police Department said officers initially responded to the incident when it came in as a call about a person shot, but were not involved in the incident or its investigation. According to CPD, officers responded to the scene to document the incident and maintain safety, as well as conduct traffic control for those living and working in the area. The incident comes after weeks of clashes between protesters and federal authorities as they conduct an immigration enforcement operation dubbed "Operation Midway Blitz," which focuses on Chicago and Illinois. Despite the pushback, more than 900 arrests have been made in the weeks since the operation began.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the escalating tensions between law enforcement and protesters in the area, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. As the investigation into the incident continues, it remains to be seen what consequences the woman and any other individuals involved will face. The operation has sparked intense scrutiny from state and local leaders, as well as community members, who have been making their presence known on the streets of Chicagoland.
FAQs
- Q: What happened during the incident?
A: A woman allegedly attempted to hit ICE agents with her car after they were blocked in by a group of vehicles. The agents opened fire, and the woman was shot. - Q: What is the current condition of the woman?
A: The woman is hospitalized in critical condition. - Q: Were any agents wounded during the incident?
A: No, no agents were wounded. - Q: What is the response from the Department of Homeland Security?
A: The DHS has deployed additional special operations to control the scene, and reinforcements are on the way. - Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The FBI is investigating the incident, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois has issued a statement saying they will investigate and prosecute all those who assault or obstruct federal law enforcement.
