A Mexican national with a previous criminal record was arrested Wednesday after allegedly dragging a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer with his vehicle while trying to escape an arrest operation near Chicago, federal officials said.
Jose Garnica-Naranjo, 32, was detained one day after authorities said he violently resisted a targeted immigration enforcement effort, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
“This illegal alien used his vehicle to assault one of our ICE officers, hospitalizing the officer,” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said.
Mullin added that the officer had been released from the hospital and described the incident as the latest in what he called a sharp increase in attacks targeting ICE personnel. He said assaults against officers had risen by more than 1,600%.
ICE agents reportedly saw Garnica-Naranjo leave a residence in Chicago Heights on Tuesday morning. They followed him before attempting to pull over his vehicle, DHS said.
After approaching the car, officers ordered Garnica-Naranjo to shut off the engine. Authorities said he refused and continued resisting.
According to a DHS statement, officers tried to remove him from the vehicle when he suddenly accelerated. An ERO Chicago officer was partially inside the car through the driver-side window as Garnica-Naranjo allegedly drove away.
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Authorities said the vehicle crossed a raised median containing trees, throwing the officer from the car.
As Garnica-Naranjo fled the scene, the vehicle struck the officer, who was then transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The officer sustained bruises, cuts and scrapes on the legs. Medical evaluations found no broken bones, officials said.
ICE said Garnica-Naranjo has prior convictions involving domestic violence and assault.
Mullin attributed the broader rise in violence against immigration officers to statements from Democratic officials who have accused ICE of terrorizing communities during enforcement actions.
He specifically criticized what he called anti-ICE rhetoric from “sanctuary politicians,” including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
“DHS is calling on Governor Pritzker and all other sanctuary politicians to end this violent rhetoric and begin cooperating with ICE before additional officers are hurt while carrying out their duties,” Mullin said.
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