Ald. Jessie Fuentes Demands $100,000 After ICE Incident

UPDATE: Chicago Alderperson Jessie Fuentes is taking immediate legal action against the federal government, seeking $100,000 in damages after being handcuffed and threatened with arrest by ICE agents on October 3, 2025. The incident, which occurred at Humboldt Park Health, has garnered national attention as video footage of the altercation circulates widely online.

Fuentes is determined to hold the agents accountable for what she describes as excessive force during her attempts to protect a man with temporary protected status. The claim, filed by attorney Jan Susler of the People’s Law Office, marks the first step toward a lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act. “Federal agents are not above the law, and we must hold them accountable,” Fuentes stated in a powerful morning press conference.

The legal claim cites personal injury damages, including injuries to Fuentes’ wrists and shoulders, alongside severe emotional distress. “The alder is standing up to this terror,” Susler emphasized, highlighting the importance of accountability in the face of federal violence.

Authorities report that this incident is part of a disturbing trend involving federal agents, with over 1,000 arrests linked to Operation Midway Blitz, targeting undocumented immigrants. “Us documenting the atrocities is what we need to do in this moment,” Fuentes said, calling for community vigilance against federal overreach.

The potentially unlawful detainment of the individual Fuentes sought to protect is emblematic of a broader issue, as ICE agents have been criticized for using aggressive tactics. This latest incident adds to a growing list of concerning actions by federal agents in Chicago, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against civilians and protestors.

The video captures Fuentes questioning the agents about their authority, asking if they possess a signed warrant. The agent’s aggressive response—grabbing and handcuffing Fuentes—has sparked outrage and demands for accountability from community leaders and activists.

As the situation develops, Fuentes plans to escalate her legal actions if the administrative claim is denied within the six-month review period. “The only people at risk are the residents of Chicago,” she asserted, condemning the militarized presence of federal agents in the city.

This case highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement, especially regarding the treatment of vulnerable communities. The actions taken by Fuentes not only seek personal justice but aim to serve as a rallying point for those advocating for change in federal immigration policies.

Stay tuned as this story unfolds, with potential implications for federal oversight and immigrant rights in Chicago and beyond.