PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — On Monday morning, just before 10 a.m., federal agents assembled outside an apartment complex in Prospect Heights.
As the uniformed agents made their way through the property, numerous residents responded by blowing whistles and capturing the scene on their smartphones. This practice serves to alert others to the agents’ presence and to keep a record of their activities.
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“They just grab someone outside without any questions. It’s over just like that,” commented activist Aileen Lopez.
A sign positioned outside the complex discourages unwelcome visitors, but this did not deter the agents.
While it remains uncertain whom the agents sought, shortly after 10 a.m., they apprehended a man. His acquaintances indicated that he was merely visiting to give a coworker a lift to work and was not a resident of the complex.
From her balcony, a woman identified only as Adriana captured the event on her camera.
“They don’t care if you’re a citizen or not. They just grab whoever they want to grab,” Adriana said.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately return ABC7’s requests for information.
Activists say the raids have a tremendous impact on the community.
“We don’t see kids playing anymore. The parents are scared to pick up their kids from the school bus stop. It’s very sad,” said activist Francisco Ruiz.
Communities throughout the northwest suburbs are considering laws that would ban federal immigration agents from being on city property without an arrest warrant.
The latest meeting happened on Monday night in Wheeling, where the village board passed a resolution banning the use of village property for immigration efforts.
However, the resolution does not apply to private property or public areas, including streets. The resolution takes effect immediately.
