ICE arrests met with growing resistance from Chicagoland residents

CHICAGO (WGN) – More ICE arrests were reported Thursday across Chicagoland, but federal agents are facing a growing challenge in the form of private citizens.

“Rapid response teams,” as they’re known, have been making their presence felt on the streets from Brighton Park to the city’s Northwest Side and out to the suburbs.

In Wheaton, the actions of ICE agents have been met with intense scrutiny this week.

Rapid response teams arrived within minutes of an ICE stop and applied undeniable pressure on federal agents.

A number of community organizations joined forces at a rally held on Thursday.

Members of the specially trained Northwest Side Rapid Response Network are asking people to step up to help neighbors living in fear.

“I encourage you to offer to bring/deliver groceries to your neighbors too terrified to leave their homes,” Sandra Puebla of the Northwest Rapid Response Network said.

The rapid response teams in Wheaten demand due process for detainees who often don’t speak English.

Patrick Brosnan, executive director of the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, has a large area to monitor with his team.

“We’re dealing with neighborhoods in Chicago south of I-55. There’s about 80 active members. These are all community residents,” Brosnan said.

Federal agents were captured on video abruptly departing a scene in Wheaton as the rapid response team appeared to hamper agents’ efforts to make arrests.

Rapid response teams are also trained to assist after an arrest is made and help connect families with legal help.