BREAKING: A significant federal operation in Chicago’s North and Northwest Sides has triggered soft lockdowns at multiple schools and widespread community unrest. Just moments ago, federal agents deployed tear gas in Lakeview, shocking residents and prompting immediate safety measures in nearby educational institutions.
The incident unfolded earlier today, October 20, 2023, as federal agents conducted immigration enforcement operations. In Lakeview, agents detained a construction worker on Lockwood Avenue, sparking protests from dozens of neighbors who surrounded the agents’ vehicle. In response to the escalating situation, agents released tear gas, affecting bystanders, including families with children. Witness Andrew Diehl described the chaos, stating, “There is a school two blocks down the road. People were walking their dogs. Children get walked here frequently. It’s Friday in the middle of the day.”
Ald. Bennet Lawson, representing the 44th Ward, condemned the federal actions, saying, “Construction workers, landscapers, and nannies seem to be a target. They’re just grabbing people.” The situation escalated at another construction site at Broadway and Belmont, where federal agents were involved in a physical altercation with two individuals. Chicago police were called to de-escalate the crowd, but no arrests were made.
In a separate incident in West Town, witnesses reported that federal agents forcibly detained a man outside a medical clinic, smashing his car window in the process. Ald. Gil Villegas expressed concerns over the federal government’s tactics, stating, “The president has continuously talked about causing fear in our communities. We’re going to do our part to push back, but we have our limits as well.”
As a precaution, A.N. Pritzker Elementary School in Wicker Park entered a soft lockdown after reports of federal agents nearby. Principal Dr. Joenile Albert-Reese assured parents that the lockdown was not due to an emergency but was implemented for safety. All school doors remain locked, and daily activities continue as normal. Other schools in the Wicker Park and Bucktown areas, including Mitchell Elementary and Rauner College Prep, also took similar precautions.
Adding to the tension, there is currently a federal court order in effect that restricts the use of force by federal agents, explicitly prohibiting the use of tear gas in Chicago. In an interview with CBS News, top border agent Gregory Bovino defended the agents’ actions, asserting that they will not tolerate violence against their officers.
This developing situation underscores a growing concern within the community regarding federal enforcement practices and their impact on local residents. As the day unfolds, authorities and community leaders are calling for calm and urging families to stay informed and vigilant.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation as it continues to evolve.
