In a troubling incident in Cicero, Illinois, Rafael Veraza reported that he and his family were allegedly pepper-sprayed by federal immigration agents while in their car. The incident occurred during a shopping trip, with video footage capturing Veraza's distress as he reacted to the spray, which was reportedly discharged through their open car window by a masked agent in a passing vehicle. Veraza's one-year-old daughter was also affected, struggling to breathe as her mother attempted to comfort her. Veraza expressed deep concern for his daughter's well-being, stating, "My daughter was trying to open her eyes. She was struggling to breathe."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied the occurrence of the incident, asserting that no crowd control measures, including pepper spray, were deployed. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed that agents were responding to rioters obstructing the road. However, Veraza and community activists disputed this narrative, emphasizing that they were not engaged in any protest or violent behavior. Local pastor Matt DeMateo, who assisted the family, recorded video evidence of the incident and criticized the use of force against a family, stating, "A family – and I shouldn’t have to say this, but guess what? All US citizens attacked while shopping. We need a better way."

This incident is part of a broader trend, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified its operations in Chicago under an initiative known as Operation Midway Blitz. This operation has led to numerous arrests, including individuals without criminal records, raising concerns about the impact of such enforcement tactics on community safety and trust.

In discussions surrounding crime rates in Chicago, President Donald Trump referred to the city as a "war zone," despite local officials reporting a significant drop in crime, marking the safest summer since 1965. The DHS has pointed to this decline as evidence of the effectiveness of its immigration enforcement operations. However, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson contested this assertion, noting that crime rates had already been declining prior to the operation's initiation in September. Data from the Chicago Police Department indicated reductions in homicides, shootings, and robberies, suggesting that the presence of immigration agents may not be the primary factor in this trend.

Local officials, including Alderman Brian Hopkins and Governor JB Pritzker, have expressed skepticism regarding the militarized approach of federal agents. Hopkins emphasized that attributing crime reduction to federal operations undermines local law enforcement efforts, while Pritzker questioned the necessity of military presence in urban areas, advocating for targeted federal assistance instead.

As the DHS prepares to shift its focus to Charlotte, North Carolina, concerns persist about the implications of federal immigration enforcement on community relations and public safety. The ongoing tension between federal and local officials underscores the need for more collaborative and community-focused approaches to addressing safety and immigration issues.