Silverio Villegas González was shot and killed this Friday in Chicago by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Villegas González was in the city as an undocumented immigrant.
The incident occurred while ICE agents were conducting an operation in Chicago. When Silverio Villegas González was told to stop, he attempted to flee in the vehicle he was driving. During the maneuver, he dragged one of the officers with his car.
The official statement issued by authorities stated that “one of the ICE agents was struck by the car and dragged a considerable distance. Fearing for his life, the agent fired his weapon,” killing Villegas González.
According to authorities, the man was an “illegal criminal alien with a history of reckless driving” who had entered the United States “at an unknown date and time.”
According to journalistic sources, Silverio Villegas González was the main objective of the operation.
‘Operation Midway Blitz’ and Rising Tensions
The shooting comes amid an immigration enforcement push — Operation Midway Blitz — launched by the Trump administration, targeting the so-called sanctuary jurisdictions in Illinois. Local officials and immigrant advocates have raised concerns that such operations – especially ones that escalate to use of lethal force – can harm community trust.
Responses from Authorities and Advocates
Meanwhile, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the US government’s action, reportedly saying, “We are praying for the speedy recovery of our law enforcement officers. He followed his training, used appropriate force, and properly enforced the law to protect the public and law enforcement.”
