Armed U.S. Border Patrol agents spotted in downtown Chicago

CHICAGO (WGN) — Armed Border Patrol agents were seen in downtown Chicago on Sunday afternoon, drawing attention from passersby along Michigan Avenue.

WGN-TV crews observed agents in full uniform around 2 p.m., while Border Patrol boats patrolled the Chicago River nearby.

The patrols were seemingly led by Gregory Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent for the U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector.

Some people could be heard yelling at the agents as they walked by, telling them to go home. Others pulled their cell phones out to record what they were witnessing.

“People are enjoying themselves, there’s nothing happening here to protect. There’s no crime, no riots. People are just enjoying a wonderful day,” Stu, a Chicago visitor who did not want to provide his last name, said.

The area agents were patrolling is the first police district, and according to Chicago police, crime in the district is down 14% from last year. Crime in Chicago as a whole is down 13%.

“That was pretty alarming just to see a group of masked guys walking around with silenced ARs, it’s pretty intimidating,” Jake, a visitor from Arkansas who did not want to provide his last name, said.

Elected officials and community leaders, including U.S. Rep. Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, have gathered at the office of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker released the following statement regarding the incident:

“The Trump Administration’s DHS officers appear to be carrying large weapons around downtown Chicago in camouflage and masks. This is not making anybody safer — it’s a show of intimidation, instilling fear in our communities and hurting our businesses. We cannot normalize militarizing American cities and suburbs. Make sure you know your rights and stay alert.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued the following statement on social media:

“I am closely monitoring the confirmed reports of federal agents on Michigan Ave. While Chicagoans and visitors are enjoying another gorgeous Sunday, they are being intimidated and threatened by masked federal agents flaunting automatic weapons for no apparent reason.

This is another brazen provocation from the Trump administration that does nothing to make our city safer. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.”

As of Sunday evening, authorities have not confirmed whether any arrests were made.