An illegal immigrant who was sought by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was shot and killed after dragging the official after refusing to stop his vehicle, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement Friday.
The individual, Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, refused to follow ICE officials’ commands when he was stopped in the Chicago area before he drove his vehicle at the agents, DHS said. One of the officers was hit by the vehicle and was “dragged a significant distance.”
“Fearing for his own life, the officer fired his weapon,” DHS said.
The officer suffered several injuries and is in stable condition, according to the department. Villegas-Gonzalez, who DHS said had a “history of reckless driving” and a criminal record, was pronounced dead at the scene, the statement added.
A top Homeland Security official suggested that Villegas-Gonzalez may have been influenced by activists on social media encouraging illegal immigrants to resist law enforcement.
“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. “Viral social media videos and activists encouraging illegal aliens to resist law enforcement not only spread misinformation, but also undermine public safety, as well as the safety of our officers and those being apprehended.”
DHS did not say what Villegas-Gonzalez’s nationality was, and it stated it was unclear when he illegally entered the United States. Other information about the incident or the individual was not provided.
The incident drew a response from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat who is opposed to the Trump administration’s efforts in Chicago.
Also on Monday, the Supreme Court issued a stay to allow DHS to continue ICE operations across Los Angeles. The ruling overturned an order by a federal judge that blocked the agency from conducting immigration enforcement operations in the area.
“The fact remains that, under the laws passed by Congress and the President, [illegal immigrants] are acting illegally by remaining in the United States—at least unless Congress and the President choose some other legislative approach to legalize some or all of those individuals now illegally present in the country,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in an opinion for the majority.
Such individuals “are not only violating the immigration laws, but also jumping in front of those noncitizens who follow the rules and wait in line to immigrate into the United States through the legal immigration process,” he wrote.
Before the anticipated ICE announcement, thousands of people demonstrated in Chicago against the immigration enforcement activities and President Donald Trump’s policies.
The president has said that he would send in the National Guard to deal with violent crime in the city. Last week, Vice President JD Vance told reporters that there were “no immediate plans” to send the National Guard to Chicago.
