Chicago Alderman Jessie Fuentes handcuffed while questioning ICE detention at hospital

On Friday, Alderman Jessie Fuentes of Chicago’s 26th Ward went to Humboldt Park Health after learning that ICE agents brought a man to the hospital who they were chasing following an injury. The man, reportedly around 37 years old, had a broken leg and would need surgery.

It is unclear if the man is undocumented, and the circumstances leading to his injury remain unknown. In a Facebook video, Fuentes is seen asking ICE agents if they had a judge-signed warrant for the man they detained. The agents repeatedly told Fuentes to leave the area, but she continued asking questions,as reported by Fox 32 Chicago.

ICE arrests at hospitals

One ICE agent then grabbed Fuentes aggressively and put her in handcuffs. She was walked outside the hospital and released shortly afterward. Fuentes said the man had signed papers to have lawyers represent him, but the agents were not allowing the lawyers to speak with him.

At an afternoon press conference, Fuentes said, "This is a common practice. ICE has been taking individuals into hospital rooms, into emergency rooms, because people are harmed while ICE is trying to detain people in the city of Chicago… What ICE is doing is exercising violence, physical violence on the people of Chicago", as stated by Fox 32 Chicago.

Community response to ICE actions

Fuentes was joined by hospital officials and local leaders, emphasizing they will protect their community and respond to ICE actions. She said, "Our rapid responders who are responding to ICE sightings all over the Northwest Side showed up today… What ICE and federal agents are doing in the city of Chicago is violence, and we must respond".

Officials reported multiple incidents involving ICE agents on Friday in Humboldt Park. In one case, a witness shared a cell phone video showing tear gas deployed outside the Rico Fresh Market on West Armitage Avenue and Central Park Avenue. Customers and bystanders were scrambling for cover during the tear gas deployment, as per the report by NBC Chicago.

FAQs

Q1.Why was Alderman Jessie Fuentes handcuffed at the hospital?

She was handcuffed after questioning ICE agents about a man they had detained at Humboldt Park Health.

Q2. What happened to the man ICE brought to the hospital?

He had a broken leg, needed surgery, and lawyers were not allowed to speak with him.