UPDATE: In a shocking incident during federal immigration operations, agents from the U.S. Border Patrol pepper sprayed a 1-year-old girl and her father in Cicero, just outside Chicago, igniting outrage in the community. This event occurred amid escalating tensions following recent clashes in Little Village on September 30, 2023.
Video footage captured by bystanders shows Rafael Veraza and his family being assaulted while trying to leave a Sam’s Club parking lot. Veraza, who is asthmatic, claimed, “I’m trying to exit… I got sprayed all over my face.” His daughter, Arianna Veraza, also inhaled the chemicals, leading to both being briefly hospitalized. “She was struggling to breathe,” he added, highlighting the immediate danger posed to his young child.
The incident unfolded shortly after federal officials announced new rules for immigration enforcement, following a judge’s order tightening the use of force by agents. As tensions mounted, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended its actions, stating that Border Patrol agents had been attacked during operations aimed at apprehending individuals in the area. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed, “No. There was no crowd control or pepper spray deployed in a Sam’s Club parking lot,” despite the overwhelming evidence presented by witnesses.
On Sunday, community leaders, including Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García, condemned the actions of federal agents, calling it a “campaign of terror” against Chicago’s residents. García urged for peace while acknowledging the community’s anger, stating, “If we succumb to violence our message will get lost.”
Local activists have mobilized in response to the crackdown. The Indivisible Chicago Alliance organized a day of action, distributing ICE watch packets and educating the community on their rights. They aim to protect residents from excessive force during future enforcement actions.
As the situation develops, officials are bracing for further protests. The National Lawyers Guild Chicago stated, “Trump’s federal agents turned what would have been a quiet Saturday afternoon into a dangerous environment.” They have deployed legal observers to monitor the situation and provide support to those detained during the clashes.
The DHS’s narrative continues to depict protesters as “rioters,” with reports indicating that at least nine individuals were arrested during the operations, eight of whom are U.S. citizens. The ongoing tension raises concerns about the use of excessive force and the potential for further escalation.
As community members continue to voice their outrage, all eyes are on the federal response and the ongoing legal battles regarding immigration enforcement tactics. The question remains: will accountability prevail in the aftermath of this distressing incident?
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation unfolds.
