A U.S. citizen was hospitalized after federal immigration agents in Evanston, Illinois, reportedly mistook him for a fugitive they were searching for and attempted to detain him. The incident happened Sunday morning in the Chicago suburb, about 12 miles north of downtown Chicago.
According to Evanston police, the unidentified man suffered injuries to his head, neck and teeth during the confrontation. Police are investigating what happened and have documented the man’s injuries.
Federal Agents Were Searching for a Fugitive
Police said five federal agents were operating in separate vehicles while looking for a person with a Chicago address who had an outstanding arrest warrant.
During the operation, agents encountered a man they believed resembled their target. When the man declined to provide identification, the agents attempted to handcuff him, according to police.
The agents later determined that he was not the person they were seeking and that he was a U.S. citizen. He was subsequently released.
One responding Evanston officer reportedly noticed blood on one federal agent’s hands. The agent said he had been injured while attempting to restrain the man and told police that the agents left after bystanders began gathering nearby.
Witnesses Describe the Confrontation
People who witnessed the incident said the man was held on the ground while repeatedly telling the agents that he was a U.S. citizen.
Ryan Garton, a witness who stopped to help, said he saw an agent holding the man down. Garton also reported seeing blood on the man’s clothing and swelling around his eye and temple.
Another witness, Michael Lipson, said he saw agents wrestle the man to the ground. He later helped the injured man while waiting for medical assistance.
The man told witnesses that he had been on his way to a pharmacy when federal agents stopped him. Police later visited him at St. Francis Hospital and photographed his injuries.
DHS Gives Its Account as Police Investigation Continues
The Department of Homeland Security said ICE agents encountered an individual who resembled the person they were targeting. DHS said agents identified themselves as law enforcement and issued commands that the man did not initially follow.
According to the department, agents left after the man identified himself and determined he was not the intended target. DHS also said the man declined assistance offered by the agents.
Evanston police continue to investigate the encounter and are preserving available body-camera and vehicle footage. Authorities are also seeking additional cellphone or surveillance video from witnesses.
The incident has attracted attention from Illinois officials as scrutiny continues over federal immigration enforcement operations in communities across the United States.
