Federal Agents Allegedly Use Pepper Spray on Family in Cicero Amid Little Village Clashes

A Cicero family has alleged that federal agents used pepper spray on them, including their 1-year-old daughter, following clashes in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. Rafael Veraza reported that he and his family were in the parking lot of a Sam's Club in Cicero when Border Patrol agents deployed pepper spray. Veraza stated, "He started spraying from the front of the car towards the back. Basically I got sprayed all over my face." He added that his daughter, Arianna, who was in the back seat, also inhaled the gas, leading to both being briefly hospitalized.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied these allegations. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, "No. There was no crowd control or pepper spray deployed in a Sam's Club parking lot." DHS reported that during immigration enforcement operations in Little Village, agents were targeted with gunfire from a black Jeep Wrangler, as well as bricks and other objects. The suspect involved in the shooting remains at large.

Community members and local officials have expressed concern over the federal agents' actions. Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García commented, "I recognize the anger. I recognize how so many people feel. However, if we succumb to violence, we will lose our battle." Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also addressed the situation, stating, "The recent escalation of violent federal immigration enforcement activity threatens the safety of all Chicagoans. Their reckless behavior and indiscriminate use of chemical agents have caused chaos and fear in our communities."

The incident is part of the ongoing Operation Midway Blitz, initiated in September, which has led to over 3,000 arrests, including U.S. citizens and individuals without criminal records. The operation has sparked protests and heightened tensions in Chicago's immigrant communities.