A man was fatally shot after allegedly driving his vehicle into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during an attempted vehicle stop near Chicago on Friday morning, ICE officials said.
ICE said officers were conducting a vehicle stop when the suspect tried to drive into the arrest team. One officer was hit and dragged as the vehicle fled the scene, and, fearing for his life, the officer fired and struck the suspect, an ICE spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Both the officer and the suspect received medical treatment and were taken to a local hospital, where the suspect was pronounced dead. The officer sustained severe injuries but was reported in stable condition.
ICE has not released the name of the suspect, and officials said it was unclear what prompted the suspect to try to flee. The agency said viral social media videos and activists encouraging resistance to law enforcement "not only spread misinformation, but also undermine public safety, the safety of our officers and those being apprehended," according to the spokesperson.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker posted on X that he was aware of "the troubling incident that has unfolded in Franklin Park" and called for a "full, factual accounting" of what happened to ensure transparency and accountability. Local authorities and ICE have said the incident remains under review.
Federal and local law enforcement agencies often coordinate vehicle stops and other enforcement actions in the Chicago area. Officials did not provide additional details about the stop, including whether the vehicle had been the subject of a prior investigation or whether other people were involved. The circumstances that led to the officer firing and the sequence of events after the vehicle struck the officer are being examined by investigators.
A hospital spokesperson confirmed the suspect was pronounced dead after arrival, and an ICE official said the agency was cooperating with any investigative authorities probing the shooting. No criminal charges or internal determinations have been announced.
The incident comes amid heightened public scrutiny of immigration enforcement tactics and officer safety during apprehensions. Officials did not provide a timetable for the release of additional information or for any independent review. Law enforcement agencies typically withhold names pending notification of next of kin and completion of initial investigative steps.
Local and federal authorities asked anyone with relevant video or information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation. Further statements are expected as officials complete medical and forensic examinations and continue to review available evidence.
