On Tuesday (October 14),federal immigration agents used tear gas to disperse a crowd on Chicago’s Southeast Side following a car chase and crash involving a Border Patrol vehicle. The incident occurred days after a federal judge issued an order limiting the use of chemicals on protesters by federal agents. The crowd gathered at 105th and Avenue N after a collision between a Border Patrol vehicle and a car driven by individuals the agents were pursuing. According to a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the driver of the pursued vehicle, who was in the country illegally, rammed the Border Patrol vehicle before attempting to flee.
The crash resulted in one person being hospitalized.
The situation escalated when the crowd, described as “hostile,” began throwing objects at the agents, prompting the use of tear gas. Thirteen police officers and several bystanders, including local residents, felt the effects of the gas. Witnesses reported that the deployment of tear gas led to chaos and distress in the neighborhood.
Four people were arrested, including two undocumented immigrants and two U.S. citizens accused of resisting arrest.
The use of tear gas came despite a recent court order prohibiting federal agents from using such measures on non-threatening protesters and journalists. The incident drew criticism from local leaders, including Chicago’s Deputy Mayor of Immigration and Refugee Rights, Beatriz Ponce De Leon, who condemned the escalation by federal agents.
In addition, attorneys were reportedly denied access to their clients by federal agents.
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