By rssfeeds-admin 
A procession around the church followed an indoor service, during which several community members reflected on the life of Villegas-Gonzalez.
“Today we come together to celebrate a mass for the eternal rest of peace for Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, for his children, family, and migrants in fear at this moment,” said one speaker.
ICE stated that they were conducting law enforcement activity on Friday, Sept. 12, in the 9800 block of Grand Avenue and subsequently conducted a vehicle stop. Villegas-Gonzalez resisted and attempted to drive his vehicle into the arresting team, according to ICE.
Villegas-Gonzalez drove his car at officers, dragging one of them, leaving the law enforcement officials to fear for his life and open fire, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Villegas-Gonzalez had just dropped his 3-year-old child at daycare and his 7-year-old at school before being pulled over, a priest told mourners on Wednesday.
Records show that the 38-year-old, who worked as a cook, had four traffic violations on his record, dating back to 2010, for operating an uninsured vehicle, speeding, and driving with an expired license.
Marisela Sandoval said she witnessed ICE agents detain someone at her child’s sporting event at Olympic Park in Schaumburg just last weekend.
“It is definitely something that makes us aware and produces a fear in all of the community, with all the immigrants, that no matter what your record is, you’re still a target for a system that is very oppressive,” Sandoval said.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is offering a safe space and support for the community, as they spread their prayers outward.
“We pray for everybody. We also pray for the ICE officers, so these situations don’t aggravate non-violently,” said Father Leandro Fossa with Our Lady of Mount Carmel. “Now, more than ever, we need moments of peacefulness and where we can show that we can stay together in hope.”
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