A person was killed and an ICE agent was injured Friday after a dramatic incident unfolded during “targeted law enforcement activity” in Franklin Park, Illinois, less than 20 miles west of Chicago, leading to street closures and school lockdowns.
According to a statement emailed to NBC Chicago by an Immigration Customs Enforcement spokesperson, officers attempted to stop a vehicle, but the suspect resisted. The suspect then attempted to drive the car into the arrest team, striking an agent and “subsequently dragging him as he fled the scene.”
The spokesperson said the agent, “fearing for his life,” discharged his weapon and struck the driver.
Both the officer and suspect were transported to a nearby hospital, the spokesperson said, and the suspect was pronounced dead.
The agent sustained severe injuries and was last listed in stable condition, the spokesperson added.
The Department of Homeland Security also released a statement about the incident, saying the person attempting to evade arrest dragged the officer “a significant distance with his car.”
“We are praying for the speedy recovery of our law enforcement officer. He followed his training, used appropriate force, and properly enforced the law to protect the public and law enforcement,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in the statement.
According to DHS, the suspect and target of the enforcement operation was identified as Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez. DHS said Villegas-Gonzalez was undocumented, but NBC Chicago has not been able to independently verify that information.
“Viral social media videos and activists encouraging illegal aliens to resist law enforcement not only spread misinformation, but also undermine public safety, the safety of our officers and those being apprehended,” the statements from both ICE and DHS said.
Photos and video captured by NBC and Telemundo Chicago photographers showed multiple law enforcement vehicles in the area. Police tape could also be seen blocking off a large food distribution truck and a grey sedan.
The incident, which occurred near Grand Avene and Elder Lane led nearby Hester Junior High School, at 2836 Gustav Street, to place the high school and middle school into a “secure” protocol.”
“Dear Parent or Guardian,” a letter obtained by NBC Chicago sent to district families said. “District 84 has been notified of a police incident in the immediate area. As a precaution, we have placed both Hester and Passow in ‘secure.'”
The message went on to say that all doors were locked during the protocol, and no one was able to leave or enter the building.
“Classroom learning will continue, but students may not be able to leave until the situation is resolved,” the letter said. “We will inform you once the secure has been lifted.”
According to TrafficNet, Grand Avenue was closed in both directions between 25th Avenue and Scott Street as part of the incident.
The FBI confirmed it was assisting law enforcement officers in response to the incident, and that there was no threat to public safety.
The incident comes days after the Trump administration announced an immigration enforcement campaign known as “Operation Midway Blitz” was expected to begin this week across Chicago and Illinois, though it was not immediately clear if the enforcement activity that led up to the shooting was part of the campaign.
As part of the campaign, hundreds of federal ICE agents were expected to use the Great Lakes Naval Base in North Chicago for staging, and a federal immigration facility in suburban Broadview for processing.
“CHICAGO: a sanctuary city that attracts and protects criminal illegal aliens to the detriment of law-abiding citizens,” a social media post from Immigration and Customs Enforcement said earlier this week, with a Chicago skyline in the background. “In an ICE-led operation, we are here to remove these dangerous public safety threats from American communities.”
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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