A Chicago alderperson has reported that federal immigration agents handcuffed her during an encounter at a medical center in Humboldt Park. Alderperson Jessie Fuentes stated that she was at Humboldt Park Health on Friday, responding to warnings about the presence of immigration agents at the facility.
Incident Details at Humboldt Park Health
Fuentes approached the agents to inquire whether they had a warrant for an arrest. Instead of providing a response, the agents allegedly pushed her away and subsequently handcuffed her. They reportedly threatened her with arrest during this confrontation. Video evidence shows Fuentes being accused by the agents of obstructing their operations.
Hospital Policies on ICE Activity
The director of Humboldt Park Health clarified the hospital’s stance on federal immigration enforcement. While agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may enter the emergency room, they are prohibited from accessing the operating room. Currently, the hospital does not intend to release the individual the agents were seeking to detain, who suffered a broken leg while fleeing from them.
Community Response and Increased Enforcement
On Friday, Fuentes highlighted a noticeable increase in immigration enforcement in Humboldt Park. She also reported the use of tear gas on bystanders near a Home Depot and at locations such as Rico Fresh. Several local officials, including state Sen. Graciela Guzmán and Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez, voiced their concerns regarding the militarized immigration operations in the area.
- Alderperson Jessie Fuentes faced handcuffing by federal agents.
- Incident occurred at Humboldt Park Health.
- Hospital restricts ICE from the operating room.
- Increase in immigration enforcement reported.
- Community officials condemned federal actions.
Recent ICE Activities in Chicago
The surge in federal agent activity in Chicago has been alarming to residents. Recently, an operation led to over 900 arrests across Illinois under “Operation Midway Blitz.” On Thursday morning, there was a raid in Humboldt Park where at least three individuals were detained, including one man whose home was forcibly entered by agents.
Residents, including a Venezuelan migrant family, shared their distress about the impacts of these actions as they seek asylum in the United States.
