CHICAGO (RTW News) — A commission formed to investigate alleged harassment and abuse by federal agents during an immigration crackdown in the Chicago region reviewed the extensive use of chemical agents in its first public hearing on Thursday.
The immigration operation, initiated in September, has sparked criticism due to its aggressive tactics, denounced by judges, local leaders, and the community at large in the nation’s third-largest city. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker established the commission as part of a resistance strategy against the Trump administration's federal intervention, accused of being discriminatory and overstepping executive powers.
“It’s going to be impossible to forget,” said Rubén Castillo, the commission's chairman and former federal judge. “The one thing we cannot do is accept this. This cannot be the new normal.”
As the commission convened, a Border Patrol commander—who previously led the operation in Chicago and has since been involved in similar crackdowns across North Carolina and Louisiana—returned unexpectedly to the Chicago area.
More than 4,000 people have been arrested throughout the crackdown, which included a reported fatal shooting involving federal agents. This operation resulted in multiple lawsuits and led to new legislation that protects immigrants from arrest around schools, hospitals, and courthouses.
As community members voiced their experiences, the commission acknowledged its limitations; it cannot compel testimonies or enforce laws but will issue a report with recommendations next year.
Members include attorneys, community leaders, and retired judges aiming to create a factual historical record of the impact on the community, contrasting the official narrative propagated during this operation.
The Department of Homeland Security has defended its methods, framing them as necessary in light of threats against federal officers, despite reports indicating that many arrests did not involve individuals with violent criminal backgrounds.
“The narrative of removing dangerous criminals is simply not true,” stated community leader Matt DeMateo.
As turmoil continues, the meeting was held near Little Village, a neighborhood heavily impacted by the immigration agents' actions. Local schools have reported decreased attendance and businesses are facing challenges as residents remain anxious about federal immigration enforcement.
Facing backlash, Senior Border Patrol Official Greg Bovino's return to Chicago has drawn protests from activists following him through the region and prompted confrontations with local leaders, exacerbating tensions in communities already affected by the crackdown.
