...
By Jordan King
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez was shot dead in the Chicago suburb of Franklin Park on Friday after he "resisted arrest, attempted to flee the scene and dragged an ICE officer a significant distance with his car," the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement.
His family have since revealed that Villegas-Gonzalez died "shortly after he dropped off his sons at school" in a GoFundMe fundraising page.
Newsweek has contacted DHS, ICE and Villegas-Gonzalez's attorney, Manuel Cardenas, for comment.
Read More on News
Why It Matters
The incident came just days into the Trump administration's ramping up of immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago under Operation Midway Blitz. Thousands marched in Chicago on 6 September to protest against the administration's plans to send National Guard troops and immigration agents to the so-called "sanctuary city."
...
What To Know
Villegas-Gonzalez, who DHS called a "criminal illegal alien," was approached by ICE agents during a vehicle stop on Friday morning, the department said.
"He refused to follow law enforcement's commands and drove his car at law enforcement officers," DHS said. "One of the ICE officers was hit by the car and dragged a significant distance. Fearing for his own life, the officer fired his weapon."
The Villegas-Gonzalez family has since started a GoFundMe page, where they said: "It is cruel what ICE agents did to him shortly after he dropped off his sons at school."
Illinois U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez, a Democrat, also spoke at a news conference on Saturday about how Villegas-Gonzalez had just dropped his children off at school before he was shot, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
DHS said that ICE was targeting "a criminal illegal alien with a history of reckless driving" who "entered the country at an unknown date and time."
CBS News Chicago revealed that Villegas-Gonzalez had four traffic violations between 2010 and 2019—his offenses included speeding, an expired driver's license, not having insurance and not having a child restraint seat.
Cardenas, who had represented Villegas-Gonzalez in two of these cases, said they were both resolved "favorably" and "neither of them involved criminal violence."
The ICE agent involved was injured in the incident, having sustained multiple injuries, but was in stable condition as of Sunday, DHS said.
What People Are Saying
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement: "We are praying for the speedy recovery of our law enforcement officer. He followed his training, used appropriate force, and properly enforced the law to protect the public and law enforcement.
"Viral social media videos and activists encouraging illegal aliens to resist law enforcement not only spread misinformation, but also undermine public safety, as well as the safety of our officers and those being apprehended."
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said he is aware of the shooting and demanded "a full, factual accounting of what's happened today to ensure transparency and accountability."
Attorney Manuel Cardenas told the Chicago Sun Times: "They are vilifying him, they're making him look up to be like some monster, which he wasn't. He was just a working man. Probably got startled.
"There was no indication from when I met with him that he was a violent man or that he was interested in hurting anybody."
Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez's family said in their fundraising message: "Silverio passed away after ICE agents shot him fatally, leaving behind not only loving family and friends, but also a legacy of warmth, resilience, and deep compassion. He was someone who always extended a helping hand, shared his smile freely, and showed up for those he loved—no matter the circumstances."
What Happens Next
Federal authorities, including the FBI, are investigating the shooting and will review available evidence, including any surveillance or body-worn camera footage if it exists; not all federal agents are required to wear body cameras. Local lawmakers and advocates have called for the release of all footage and for an independent review of the use of force.
Update 09/14/2025, 12p.m. ET: The headline and content of this article was updated to include more detail.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines