Pursuit Leads to Violent Collision and Arrests
A Border Patrol operation on Chicago’s South Side erupted into chaos after agents ended a high-speed chase with a forced stop that caused a red SUV to crash. Officials reported that the vehicle had struck a federal unit before attempting to flee. Two occupants fled the scene on foot but were detained moments later. Authorities indicated the pursuit stemmed from an ongoing investigation into possible human smuggling activity.
Confrontation With Crowd Turns Volatile
Soon after the collision, a crowd gathered near the crash site as residents confronted federal agents. Witnesses said the situation grew tense, with objects thrown toward officers. In an effort to clear the area, agents released tear gas, sending people scattering through nearby streets. The gas affected both bystanders and law enforcement personnel, including 13 Chicago police officers who were assisting with the arrests.
Political Leaders Call for Investigation
The use of tear gas quickly drew condemnation from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who criticized the response as excessive and unsafe. City officials demanded a federal review into the handling of the pursuit and its aftermath. Chicago police said they are cooperating with federal authorities to determine what led to the escalation and to assess the actions taken at the scene.
