CHICAGO — A shocking incident unfolded over the weekend in a Sam’s Club parking lot in Cicero, just outside Chicago, where a father and his one-year-old daughter were pepper-sprayed at close range by federal immigration agents. Rafael Veraza described how their routine grocery shopping took a chaotic turn amid rising tensions between local community residents and federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations.
Veraza, who was in his vehicle with his daughter, reacted to panicked wall signals from other locals when they spotted immigration agents nearby. As they attempted to leave, a masked agent pointed a pepper spray gun through the open window and sprayed directly into their vehicle. Video footage captured the distress of the young girl struggling to see and breathe as her father attempted to comfort her.
Local clergy, such as Rev. Matt DeMateo, hurried to the family's aid, noting the absurdity of U.S. citizens being attacked while shopping. Reports indicate that tensions in the area have intensified, as federal immigration operations have led to over 3,200 arrests in the Chicago region.
Residents of Little Village, a predominantly Mexican area known for its vibrant local businesses, have witnessed aggressive tactics from immigration enforcement, including chemical agents deployed during arrests. Many business owners have put up signs telling ICE agents to stay away, while community members use car horns and whistles to alert others to the presence of federal agents.
Despite the family's account, the Department of Homeland Security denied the use of pepper spray, claiming there was no crowd control being enforced during the incident. Meanwhile, the overarching issue of how immigration agents conduct their operations has become a contentious topic, drawing criticism about the use of force and accountability.
Furthermore, a recent ruling from a federal judge has limited the use of certain riot control measures by federal agents, stating these actions could only be employed when there is an immediate threat, showing the ongoing scrutiny and challenges immigration enforcement faces in the community.
