A U.S. citizen was hospitalized with injuries after five Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Evanston, Illinois, mistook him for a fugitive and attempted to arrest him on Sunday morning, according to local police and eyewitnesses.
The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. in the Chicago suburb when the unidentified Black man was approached by agents who believed he matched the description of a fugitive with a Chicago arrest warrant. The man refused to present identification, leading to a physical altercation during which he was pinned to the ground and suffered head, neck, and teeth injuries, Evanston police reported. An ambulance transported him to St. Francis Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.
Agents’ rationale and immediate response
Federal agents told responding Evanston police officers that they were conducting a targeted enforcement operation for a fugitive with a Chicago address and warrant. After realizing their mistake, the agents released the man and left the scene, citing concerns about potential protests from bystanders who had gathered. One officer observed blood on an agent’s hands, and the agent reported sustaining injuries during the struggle.
Local and federal reactions
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss stated in a social media post that the man was treated for minor injuries and that the police department continues to investigate the encounter. The Evanston Police Department confirmed it has photographed the man’s injuries and is reviewing the incident. A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that agents had encountered an individual who resembled the target of their operation but did not provide further details.
Witness and bystander accounts
Ryan Garton, a bystander who recorded video of the incident, reported that the man repeatedly screamed he was a U.S. citizen while agents attempted to handcuff him. The footage, shared with multiple outlets, shows agents in plainclothes and tactical gear engaging with the man on a sidewalk before the confrontation escalated. Police have not released the video but confirmed its existence as part of their investigation.
Ongoing inquiry and policy implications
The Evanston Police Department has classified the incident as an ongoing investigation and is coordinating with federal authorities. The case has prompted local officials to reiterate their scrutiny of federal enforcement activities within city limits. Mayor Biss emphasized in his statement that Evanston remains vigilant about federal operations in the area.