Video shows Border Patrol detaining landscaper in Evanston, sparking outrage

EVANSTON, Ill. (WGN) — Immigration raids throughout Chicago’s North Side and north suburbs have left many locals in shock following news of detainments in the area.

Activity along Monroe Street took neighbors by surprise, as the quiet residential neighborhood near Sherman Avenue was suddenly disrupted on Tuesday by the scene of detainments by Border Patrol agents.

“It was a simple landscaping employee pinned down to the ground,” said resident Michael McGinn. “To see something like this happening is terrifying.”

McGinn described the moment as chaotic and emotional, as neighbors and Rapid Response Team members rushed in to do everything they could to support the detained landscaper.

“People who are trying to get by making minimum wage doing jobs nobody else wants to do are getting hauled off like this,” McGinn said.

Neighbors say the detainment, caught on video, occurred just before noon. A similar incident occurred later in the afternoon down the block, where another person was detained near Custer Avenue and Monroe Street. 

The unexpected encounters have left neighbors shocked and deeply concerned. 

“I’m disappointed and I’m sad it has to be this bad,” said one local woman.

“I don’t feel there’s justice here at all,” added another. “There’s no kindness, there’s no warrant, no due process, there is take and kidnap and throw in unmarked vehicles by masked people who aren’t identifying themselves.”

WGN reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for additional information, but has not yet received a response as of this publication.

Near the Evanston-Chicago border, Chicago Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th Ward) posted video to social media, confirming the heavy presence of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Rogers Park, Edgewater, West Ridge, and Lincoln Square.