Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents faced dangerous situations in the Chicago area when two illegal immigrants used their cars to attack them during enforcement operations. These incidents occurred on Wednesday as part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” a crackdown on illegal immigration that has already led to over 900 arrests in the region.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that the first attack involved Miguel Escareno De Loera, an illegal immigrant from Mexico. He deliberately rammed his vehicle into an ICE car twice before driving onto a sidewalk and crashing into a stop. It is unclear when he entered the United States, as he was not apprehended at the border.
In a separate incident, another illegal immigrant, Widman Osberto Lopez-Funes from Guatemala, drove his vehicle into ICE agents during an operation. He then fled on foot to his home in Bensenville, where he was later arrested. Like De Loera, it is unknown when Lopez-Funes crossed into the U.S. illegally.
Both men are expected to face criminal charges for assaulting federal law enforcement officers and will remain in ICE custody, facing deportation proceedings. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the seriousness of these attacks, noting that assaults on law enforcement have increased dramatically, with a reported rise of over 1,000%. She criticized local politicians for creating an environment where illegal immigrants feel encouraged to resist law enforcement.
The incidents have sparked a backlash from some community leaders and politicians who oppose the ongoing enforcement actions. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have been vocal critics of ICE operations, arguing they are harmful to the community.
As these events unfold, the safety of law enforcement officers remains a top priority, and the DHS has committed to prosecuting anyone who assaults them to the fullest extent of the law.
