A woman was shot by US Border Patrol agents on Saturday in Brighton Park, Chicago, sparking a crowd of protesters and clashes with federal authorities. The incident occurred after agents were “rammed” by 10 cars and boxed in, leading them to fire “defensive shots.” Authorities claim the woman had a semi-automatic weapon while driving one of the cars involved, but details are unclear.
The shooting happened during an increase in immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago, which has led to protests and clashes between protesters and federal agents. The White House announced Saturday that it would send 300 National Guard troops to Illinois despite Governor JB Pritzker’s objections.
According to eyewitnesses, protesters began gathering near Kedzie Avenue with chants of “ICE go home” and threw water bottles at federal agents. Agents responded by deploying pepper balls and tear gas, detaining several people.
Several community leaders criticized the federal response, saying it escalated tensions and provoked violence against peaceful protesters. An Illinois State Police trooper was accused of using excessive force on a protester who was detained.
The incident is part of growing concerns over immigration enforcement in Chicago, where five people were arrested at an ICE processing facility last month for resisting arrest or obstruction.
Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/10/04/shooting-involving-federal-agents-in-brighton-park-under-investigation