In Evanston, Illinois, reports from ABC7 indicate that federal agents resorted to using pepper spray during an arrest operation on Friday.
The unsettling events unfolded at the Asbury and Oakton intersection, where witnesses recount that federal immigration officials detained at least two individuals following a traffic collision they allegedly caused.
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Evanston’s Mayor Daniel Biss, alongside Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, school representatives, and concerned citizens, voiced their disapproval of the incident, which occurred alarmingly close to an elementary school.
Local residents have been on high alert, noting a significant presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the area throughout the day.
Eyewitnesses describe a scenario where a man and woman in a red vehicle were trailing the agents, attempting to alert others to potential danger. It is alleged that the agents abruptly stopped their vehicle just past the intersection, leading to a collision with the car following them.
Neighbors report that the agents forcefully extracted the individuals from their car. When members of a neighborhood watch arrived to assess the situation, one officer purportedly brandished a firearm at a bystander and threatened to deploy pepper spray.
Evanston Fire Department paramedics responded to provide medical care for those exposed to pepper spray, Evanston police said in a statement.
Witnesses say the agents threw both the man and the woman into their vehicle and drove away. It is unclear where they were taken and if they were charged with any crimes.
Meanwhile, many Evanston residents are on alert as school children are set to leave class for trick-or-treating on Friday evening.
Residents are being encouraged to be out, whistles in hand and monitoring their neighborhoods for ICE, to help keep everyone safe.
One District 65 official said immigration operations could be seen from schools on Friday, and leadership for school districts 65 and 202 closed their campuses for outside activity for the day.
The city of Evanston also said in a message that there is an increased number of federal agents in the community on Friday.
“Evanston stands as a Welcoming City and has just enacted Resolution 93-R-25, the Ice-Free Zones Resolution. This resolution reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive and safe community as we navigate these uncertain times together,” the city said.
The city of Evanston also issued a statement about trick-or-treating safety, saying, “Please be advised that the City’s official Trick-or-Treating hours are scheduled for today, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. With the increased presence of federal agents in our community today, we encourage families to exercise extra caution. Should you choose to participate in trick-or-treating, please remain vigilant. If you observe federal activity, please contact the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights hotline at 855-435-7693. For urgent safety concerns, call 9-1-1.”
Federal agents have also arrested multiple people in Chicago on Friday.
Evanston police issued a statement about the incident, saying, “The Evanston Police Department responded Friday, Oct. 31, to several reports of federal agents conducting deportation operations throughout the city. Police supervisors responded to these reports; in only one instance did officers find federal agents on scene upon arrival.
At approximately 12:25 p.m., Evanston Police responded to reports from citizens and federal agents regarding a traffic crash in which a civilian vehicle rear-ended a federal vehicle. The crash led to a disturbance at the scene.
Preliminary information indicates that the driver of the civilian vehicle was taken into custody by federal agents. During that arrest, a confrontation occurred between community members and the agents, reportedly resulting in one or two additional arrests. Evanston Police officers worked to stabilize the scene and prevent further conflict between community members and federal agents.
Prior to police arrival, pepper spray appears to have been deployed. Evanston Fire Department paramedics responded to provide medical care for individuals exposed to pepper spray.
Evanston Police did not make any arrests and currently have no one in custody. The incident remains under investigation.
The Evanston Police Department will review this incident for referral to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. If you have information, including video or other evidence, please contact the Evanston Police Detective Bureau at 847-866-5040.”
