Federal Agents Deploy Tear Gas in Albany Park Amid Immigration Arrest Resistance

Federal agents deployed tear gas in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood on Sunday as residents attempted to prevent an immigration arrest. Gabriel Paez and his wife, Megan Dougherty, witnessed two armed agents confronting a neighbor near Wilson and Sawyer avenues. Paez alerted neighbors in Spanish, while Dougherty recorded the encounter. Upon noticing the couple's intervention, the agents released the individual and ceased their pursuit.

As the agents moved down the block, Paez continued to warn neighbors, prompting several to emerge from their homes. Some residents formed a human chain to block the agents' path, leading to the deployment of tear gas at the intersection. This incident follows a similar event earlier this month in Logan Square, where agents used a smoke bomb during an operation.

The Albany Park confrontation occurred amid "Operation Midway Blitz," a targeted immigration enforcement effort. Community resistance has been growing, with approximately 400 Rogers Park residents rallying on Saturday to protest recent ICE arrests, including that of a local tamale vendor.

During the Albany Park incident, a woman stood in the street to block an agent's vehicle and was reportedly injured when the vehicle moved forward. A crowd, including a lawyer, gathered to confront the agents, who wore border patrol vests and face coverings. After deploying tear gas, the agents left the scene.

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd) and state Sen. Graciela Guzman arrived after the agents had departed. Rodriguez-Sanchez praised the swift community response and expressed concern over the agents' use of tear gas, noting a federal judge's temporary restraining order that restricts such tactics without prior verbal warnings. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment.