Tear Gas and Tension: ICE Raid Sparks Outrage in Chicago’s Albany Park

A weekend immigration raid in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood escalated into chaos after federal agents reportedly deployed tear gas without warning, in what witnesses and local officials are calling a violation of a federal court order.

The incident occurred Sunday afternoon near the 3200 block of West Wilson Avenue, when agents believed to be from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal units attempted to detain a man in the area. According to multiple residents, the agents discharged tear gas and shoved bystanders who tried to intervene.

“I didn’t even know what was happening until the gas hit,” said Samay Gheewala, a local attorney and longtime Albany Park resident who said his hands were bloodied during a brief confrontation with agents. “They never gave a warning. We just saw people running and coughing.”

Possible Violation of Court Order

The reported use of tear gas appears to contradict a temporary restraining order issued earlier this year by a federal court. The order explicitly prohibits federal agents from using chemical agents, rubber bullets, or flash bangs without first issuing two clear warnings. It also restricts the use of such weapons to cases where there is an immediate threat of harm.

Residents and legal observers argue that Sunday’s operation breached those conditions. “This is a flagrant disregard for the law,” said State Sen. Graciela Guzmán, who rushed to the scene alongside Ald. Rossana Rodríguez-Sánchez and other community members. “They acted like they were above the court.”

Rapid Community Response

Witnesses say neighborhood “rapid responders” — volunteers on foot and bicycles — mobilized within minutes of reports circulating on social media. By the time they arrived, however, the federal vehicles had already left the area. Protesters gathered soon after, chanting “traitor” and “Nazi” as they condemned the agents’ tactics.

Video shared online shows smoke lingering in the air and residents covering their faces as they tried to assist those affected by the gas. No serious injuries have been reported, though several people experienced breathing difficulties.

Broader Concerns Over Enforcement Tactics

The raid has reignited debate over ICE’s presence in Chicago, a self-declared “sanctuary city.” Local leaders have repeatedly accused federal agencies of ignoring municipal protections for undocumented residents and using disproportionate force in immigrant neighborhoods.

“This is a community that already lives in fear,” Ald. Rodríguez-Sánchez said. “The use of tear gas in a densely populated area, without warning, is not only reckless — it’s inhumane.”

Civil rights attorneys say they are gathering affidavits from witnesses and reviewing potential legal actions against the federal agencies involved.