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In Franklin Park, Illinois, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer fatally shot a suspect during a traffic stop on Friday morning (September 12). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified the suspect as Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, an undocumented immigrant with a history of reckless driving. The incident occurred about 15 miles west of downtown Chicago.
Villegas-Gonzalez resisted arrest and drove his car at law enforcement officers, hitting and dragging one of them. In response, the officer, fearing for his life, fired his weapon, fatally wounding Villegas-Gonzalez. Both the officer and Villegas-Gonzalez received medical attention at the scene before being transported to a hospital, where Villegas-Gonzalez later died. The officer, whose name has not been released, sustained severe injuries but is in stable condition.
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the importance of following law enforcement instructions, stating that misinformation and resistance can jeopardize public and officer safety. She noted, "Viral social media videos and activists encouraging illegal aliens to resist law enforcement not only spread misinformation, but also undermine public safety, as well as the safety of our officers and those being apprehended."
The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.