Chicago arrest video sparks claims of excessive force by federal agents

CHICAGO (WGN) — Cell phone video shows what bystanders have called an unnecessarily rough arrest in Chicago involving federal agents.

While the Department of Homeland Security says the incident stems from a theft, witnesses told WGN-TV that what they captured on video differs from what DHS said took place. Maurice Woodard is the organizing director of Equity and Transformation Chicago. It was at the organization’s headquarters near California and Congress where Woodward says he witnessed the unsettling scene unfold on Tuesday around 2:30 p.m.

“The federal agents had shut down traffic on all four ways. As they were doing that, they had a guy down on the floor surrounded, and they kind of picked him up by the neck, roughed him up – a lot more than roughed him up – put him in their vehicle, and held him there until [Chicago Police Department] arrived,” Woodward said.

According to Chicago police, a white sedan was traveling eastbound on Congress Parkway while a 49-year-old female was driving a black sedan and traveling northbound on California. Police say the white sedan struck the black sedan, injuring the woman’s shoulder, neck, and hip. 

Paramedics rushed the injured woman to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.

Once on scene, officers say they were made aware that federal agents had detained a person possibly connected to a car accident. They say responding officers completed an investigatory stop report and released the detainee at the scene. 

Woodward pointed to the moment, which he says contradicts the Department of Homeland Security’s account of what took place.

“Full on beating him, choked him out, and they picked him up and tossed him in the truck,” Woodward said.

Responding to WGN-TV’s request for comment, in a statement, a spokesperson said: 

“This is FALSE, the man was not choked. Border Patrol witnessed what they believed to be a theft in progress. As they went to engage with the individual, he fled in a vehicle and proceeded to crash into another motorist. Agents attempted to render first aid when the suspect started resisting.” 

DHS spokesperson

Woodward said rights aside, there remains no reason to treat someone that way.

“I think in general what’s unfolding around our city is increased federal presence,” he said. “It’s an attempt to say this is keeping people safe, but in reality, it’s causing harm.”

Equity and Transformation Chicago said Thursday that they will continue to host ‘Know Your Rights’ workshops in hopes of informing the public of their constitutional rights.