In a dramatic scene unfolding on Chicago’s Northwest Side, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were captured pursuing a vehicle before it crashed, according to witnesses and video evidence.
The incident took place in the typically tranquil Dunning neighborhood, specifically around Grace Street and Olcott Avenue. Witnesses reported seeing masked agents from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security in the area.
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A witness named Edward recounted the chase, describing how unmarked vehicles were in pursuit of a red car that appeared to have pre-existing damage. “I saw them coming down Grace. They were chasing a red car, and one of the unmarked black Ford Explorer vehicles hit the back of it,” he said.
Footage captured by a resident shows the red sedan being pursued by three unmarked SUVs as it travels down Grace Street. The first SUV seems to make contact with the sedan as both vehicles maneuver onto Olcott Avenue, just before disappearing from view.
The neighborhood was soon filled with the sound of a loud crash, followed by a short-lived foot chase, adding to the unfolding drama of the scene.
Neighbors said they heard the loud crash before a brief foot chase.
The witness said he saw an older man being detained.
“It looked like they had taken someone. I couldn’t tell if they were from that car, but I assume. It looked like an older gentleman, darker complexion, shorter cut, gray hair. They had him in handcuffs. He didn’t seem to be aggressive or resisting or anything like that,” Edward said.
Another neighbor said he saw half a dozen unmarked cars.
“I’m seeing from the back of some of their plate carriers that say Customs Enforcement on it; so it’s definitely ICE,” Edward said.
The car involved was later towed.
Neighbors say some federal agents stayed on the scene for a short time, while others drove off.
Chicago police were also seen in the area after the crash.
A DHS spokesperson released a statement on Monday night, saying ICE “conducted a targeted enforcement operation” to arrest an undocumented immigrant from Poland. DHS said the man’s criminal history includes arrests for “possession of dangerous drugs, obstruction of justice, domestic battery/bodily harm, transport of dangerous materials and convictions for retail theft, resisting peace officer, and domestic battery.”
DHS said the man “attempted to evade arrest resulting in a collision with an ICE vehicle and eventually collided with a tree. He then fled on foot. ICE officers used the minimum amount of force to make the arrest.”
Last week, a man was seen being detained on the Northwest Side, as well.
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