Chicago Alderwoman Arrested by ICE Brokers Throughout Hospital Go to to Detainee
A stunning scene unfolded Friday afternoon when Chicago Alderwoman Jessie Fuentes (twenty sixth Ward) was arrested by ICE brokers inside Humboldt Park Well being. She had stopped by to verify on a person injured throughout an immigration arrest — however as an alternative, she ended up in handcuffs herself.
In line with witnesses, Fuentes was standing within the emergency room questioning brokers concerning the legality of their actions after they ordered her to go away. Cellular phone footage that rapidly unfold on social media exhibits brokers grabbing her arm earlier than cuffing her.
“This can be a hospital. Do you’ve a signed judicial warrant for him? I’m asking. I’m asking. I didn’t contact you. I didn’t contact you,” Fuentes mentioned whereas being cuffed. “That man has constitutional rights. I didn’t contact you. It’s a public area. I’m not trespassing. I’m asking you do you’ve a signed judicial warrant?”
An ICE agent is heard responding, “We advised you to go away. You might be impeding. Now you’re underneath arrest for impeding.” Fuentes was launched shortly after.
Jessie Fuentes Speaks Out After ICE Arrest: “We Have Constitutional Rights”
After her launch, Fuentes spoke out, describing the expertise as a blatant abuse of energy.
“I merely requested, ‘Effectively, what did I do unsuitable, outdoors of ask you when you’ve got a signed judicial warrant? I would like you to articulate to me what legislation did I break?’” she defined. “They needed to take these handcuffs off, as a result of we’ve got constitutional rights, and within the metropolis of Chicago, each single elected official goes to guard these constitutional rights.”
Fuentes mentioned the person she was visiting had damaged his leg after being chased by ICE brokers and deserved each medical therapy and authorized counsel. “I requested them if they’ve a signed judicial warrant to be within the emergency room and have him detained, they usually refused to reply,” she shared. “Not solely do they refuse to reply, however they reply with violence by shoving me within the emergency room.”
Her message was clear — she’s not backing down. “The person who’s on this emergency room may want surgical procedure on account of ICE brokers chasing him and him breaking his leg. He deserves all of the medical care with out residing in worry. He additionally has the precise to an legal professional,” she mentioned firmly. “And so I can’t depart the entrance of this hospital till I’m positive that that particular person is linked to a lawyer so that he’s not disappeared and kidnapped by federal brokers.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson Condemns ICE’s “Abusive Ways”
Mayor Brandon Johnson rapidly stepped in to point out help for Fuentes, slamming ICE for his or her actions in a public assertion.
“Chicago’s elected officers have a First Modification proper to doc ICE’s actions and to tell their constituents of their rights with out federal interference,” Johnson mentioned. “Any try to dam this work is a direct assault on democratic accountability and an assault on the rights of the individuals of Chicago.”
He didn’t mince phrases both. “ICE’s abusive ways haven’t any place in our metropolis,” the mayor declared. “Our elected officers will proceed to face with residents in opposition to this try to stoke worry and intimidation.”
The mayor’s phrases echoed the rising frustration in Chicago, a sanctuary metropolis that has repeatedly clashed with federal immigration enforcement over how ICE handles arrests.
Neighborhood Reactions to the Arrest
Chicago residents wasted no time voicing their outrage on-line. Many expressed concern over how an elected official might be handled this fashion inside a hospital — a spot meant for therapeutic, not handcuffs.
Advocacy teams additionally spoke up, with immigration and civil rights leaders demanding accountability and calling for ICE to launch full footage of the incident. The Chicago Alliance Towards Racist and Political Repression launched an announcement saying the arrest “exhibits the continuing disregard federal brokers have for fundamental constitutional protections.”For Fuentes, this wasn’t nearly her — it was concerning the individuals she serves. The alderwoman has been outspoken about immigrant rights, police reform, and defending public areas from intimidation.
ICE Response and Public Backlash
ICE has not launched an official assertion concerning the arrest, however their actions have already sparked public backlash. Critics argue this was not solely extreme however a direct problem to Chicago’s insurance policies defending undocumented residents.
Authorized consultants additionally weighed in, stating that with no judicial warrant, ICE brokers have restricted authority to detain people inside hospitals or different protected areas. “Hospitals are delicate places,” mentioned one civil rights legal professional. “Federal tips explicitly discourage ICE operations in medical amenities except there’s an imminent public security concern.”
In the meantime, group members have began organizing rallies demanding accountability and pushing for transparency from federal authorities.
