This week in Chicago, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended a Mexican national, once a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) beneficiary, who has a significant history of violent crime and unlawful entry into the United States, according to officials.
ICE characterized the arrest of Alan Eduardo Garcia as “high-risk” due to his “persistent aggression and efforts to thwart arrest.”
Garcia’s criminal history is extensive, featuring charges and convictions for offenses such as felony strangulation, domestic battery, disorderly conduct, battery resulting in bodily harm, aggravated battery against vulnerable individuals, and illegal firearm use.
In an operation dubbed Midway Blitz in Chicago, ICE officers intervened to prevent the 31-year-old from potentially ending his life by jumping from a third-floor balcony during the chase, thereby possibly saving him, according to ICE.
ICE agents recently detained a former DACA recipient of Mexican nationality in Chicago, known for a considerable criminal past, as reported by officials.
Although Garcia was previously protected under DACA, his status was revoked in 2019 during the first term of President Donald Trump’s administration.
ICE officers first attempted to arrest Garcia during an Oct. 8 traffic stop, but he allegedly fled at the time, ramming a government vehicle and driving at speeds topping 100 mph.
On Wednesday, officers attempted to arrest him again after he left his apartment and got into his car.
Garcia again rammed officers’ cars and sped off before fleeing on foot and barricading himself inside his apartment, ICE said.
ICE officers first attempted to arrest Garcia Oct. 8 during a traffic stop, but he allegedly fled, ramming a government vehicle and driving at speeds topping 100 mph. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Officers entered his apartment and apprehended him as he was attempting to jump off the balcony.
Garcia allegedly struck officers before he was handcuffed.
Two officers sustained injuries during the arrest and were treated at an urgent care center.
Garcia remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“The safety and well-being of our officers is our top priority,” ICE Chicago Field Office Director Sam Olson said in a statement. “This incident highlights the risks our officers face daily in carrying out their duties to protect our communities. We commend their professionalism and courage in handling this dangerous situation.”
Garcia remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.
Also on Wednesday, a daycare employee was arrested outside of her workplace in Chicago.Â
