Ongoing Tension Between ICE and Chicago Communities
Federal immigration agents continue to face fierce resistance in Chicago as residents protest what they call aggressive and unjust enforcement tactics. Since the beginning of the Trump administration, the city has been a focal point for federal operations targeting undocumented immigrants. Community members, however, have made it clear they will not tolerate what they describe as intimidation and overreach by federal authorities.
Tear Gas Used in Albany Park
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, on Sunday federal agents deployed tear gas in the Albany Park neighborhood after detaining a man. Witnesses say onlookers tried to intervene, leading to a chaotic and violent scene.
At around 12:30 p.m., dozens of residents gathered, shouting “traitor” and “Nazi” as ICE agents detained a man. Attorney Samay Gheewala, a local resident, said he tried to verify whether the agents had a warrant but was shoved and restrained. “They completely stonewalled me,” Gheewala said. “They refused to identify themselves.”
Witnesses described federal agents pushing residents to the ground. Gheewala was injured but declined medical attention. Another resident said he joined the confrontation after seeing agents “bearing down on a man.” Comparing the actions to authoritarian regimes, he stated, “This is Nazi sh*t. When the state is failing, this is what they do.”
Federal Court Restrictions Ignored
A federal judge had previously issued a temporary restraining order requiring agents to issue at least two warnings before using riot control weapons like tear gas or pepper spray. However, witnesses say no such warnings were given — and none can be heard in videos circulating online.
This order was just one of several recent judicial restrictions on the Trump administration, including limits on warrantless arrests and the deployment of the National Guard to U.S. cities such as Portland and Chicago.
Logan Square Incident Near a School
Earlier this month, another ICE operation in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood led to tear gas being deployed near an elementary school. Students reportedly ran for safety as teachers and staff formed a human barrier between the children and federal officers.
Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the action:
“The escalation of ICE raids does nothing to keep our young people safe; it makes them afraid and disrupts their learning,” Johnson said at a press conference.
Federal Response to Community Outrage
In a statement, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the agents, claiming they were impeded by protesters during a “targeted immigration enforcement operation.” She said officers used tear gas and pepper balls only after protesters refused to disperse.
McLaughlin added that agents face “a surge in assaults, including sniper attacks and cars being used as weapons.” However, no concrete evidence has been provided to support those claims.
Community Organizers and Officials Take Action
In response to the repeated ICE raids, local volunteers—self-described as “guardian angels”—are now patrolling Chicago schools with whistles and know-your-rights pamphlets. Their mission: to protect children and families from surprise enforcement actions.
At the Albany Park protest, community leaders and elected officials joined residents in standing up to ICE agents. Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd) and State Sen. Graciela Guzmán led rapid response groups, rushing to locations where ICE vehicles were spotted. While they managed to prevent some detentions, at least one person was reportedly taken by agents.
“This is part of the chaos they like to bring to our communities,” Guzmán said. “Somebody was still kidnapped from our neighborhood today.”
Chicago Pushes Back Against Federal Overreach
Despite federal attempts to increase enforcement, Chicago’s residents and officials continue to resist what they see as politically motivated intimidation. As one protester put it:
“We chased federal agents out of Albany Park today.”
The city’s defiance has become a symbol of community resilience and local solidarity in the face of federal aggression.
