A 15-year-old U.S. citizen was detained for five hours following an East Side protest incident involving federal agents. The event occurred after federal agents chased a vehicle in the East Side neighborhood, leading to a crash. Witnesses reported incidents of excessive force and subsequent chaotic scenes as protesters gathered.
Details of the Incident
Witnesses stated that federal agents employed a controversial collision maneuver, causing a car to spin out near the intersection of 105th Street and Avenue N. As the vehicle’s occupants fled, armed Customs and Border Patrol agents arrived at the site, prompting a backlash from community members.
- Agents deployed tear gas for the fourth time in Chicago this month.
- Protesters reportedly threw objects, including an egg, at the agents.
Detention of the Minor
During the unrest, the 15-year-old boy was reportedly tackled to the ground, kneed in the back, and zip-tied by federal agents. His attorneys from the Romanucci and Blandin law firm revealed that the boy was transported to a federal facility and held handcuffed in a garage for five hours. Throughout this time, he was not booked, nor was he given the chance to contact his mother.
His mother, unaware of her son’s whereabouts, expressed serious concerns for his safety.
Official Response
The incident drew a strong response from local authorities and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A DHS spokesperson denied claims that the teen was hidden or mistreated, asserting that he was arrested for assault after allegedly throwing an egg at an agent.
The spokesperson stated that the boy was later released without charges after admitting to the action during questioning.
Community Reactions
This incident sparked reactions from various community leaders, including Governor JB Pritzker. He criticized the aggressive tactics used by federal agents and called for accountability from officials including Kristi Noem.
- At least three individuals were arrested during the protest.
- Thirteen Chicago police officers were exposed to tear gas during the clashes.
As the situation unfolds, community advocates continue to express concern over the use of heavy-handed law enforcement tactics in response to civil unrest.
