A Chicago alderperson experienced an unsettling encounter with federal immigration officials when she was handcuffed after trying to help a man injured during a pursuit by agents. She believes this incident illustrates the fear and disarray that the Trump administration is spreading in the city.
Ald. Jessie Fuentes recounted questioning authorities in the hospital on Friday about their warrant for the undocumented man they pursued. According to a Citizen App video, she was handcuffed but quickly released, although she was cautioned against re-entering the hospital.
“The hospital staff and patients didn’t feel safe and contacted me due to ICE’s presence,” Fuentes explained, mentioning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. “As the 26th Ward’s alderperson, it’s my duty to protect my residents.”
Fuentes expressed her incident with ICE is indicative of broader issues under the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement in Chicago. She states that few apprehended individuals have criminal backgrounds and even U.S. citizens face wrongful detainment due to racial profiling.
“Chicago’s citizens, particularly contractors and laborers who are Brown and speak Spanish, face detainment,” Fuentes told “Prime” on Saturday. “This isn’t about community safety, but about an oppressive organization targeting Black and Brown Chicagoans.”
