ICE Fatally Shoots Man Who Drove Car Into Law Enforcement, DHS Says

CHICAGO, IL — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man who drove his car into law enforcement, striking an officer in Franklin Park Friday morning, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The Department of Homeland Security said an agent was attempting to make an arrest, but the suspect resisted. The man, identified as Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, then drove his car into the arrest team and struck an officer, dragging the agent as the vehicle fled the scene, according to authorities.

"Fearing for his life, the officer discharged his firearm and struck the subject," an ICE spokesperson said in a statement.

Authorities said Villegas-Gonzalez was in the country illegally and had a history of reckless driving. He entered the country at an unknown date and time, officials said.

Both Villegas-Gonzalez and the officer received medical treatment at the scene before they were taken to a local hospital.

Villegas-Gonzalez was declared dead at the hospital. An ICE spokesperson said the officer sustained severe injuries, but is in stable condition.

"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 spokesperson said.

Gov. JB Pritzker said he was aware of the incident in Franklin Park, describing it as troubling Friday afternoon.

"This is a developing situation and the people of Illinois deserve a full, factual accounting of what’s happened today to ensure transparency and accountability," Pritzker said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Reports of ICE agents moving into the Chicagoland began late last week, with sources saying to expect daily early morning stings starting over the weekend.

On Monday, DHS announced "Operation Midway Blitz," which specifically targets "criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor (JB) Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets."

According to ICE, at least 10 people have been arrested as part of the operation in Chicago this week for "for heinous crimes such as sexually assaulting a child family member, rape, armed robbery, and domestic battery."

While the feeling of being vulnerable isn't new, especially among immigrants, many say this time the fear is deeper and the preparations more drastic.

Even Sam Sanchez, a Chicago restaurant owner who voted for Trump, criticized the Republican's plans for the city. As a naturalized U.S. citizen from Mexico, he is also taking precautions.

"They're profiling," he said of federal agents. "My wife and I went to a wedding and I told my wife, 'Bring your citizenship papers.'"

The Associated Press contributed to this report.