An ICE officer was hospitalized Friday after being struck and dragged by an illegal migrant during an arrest attempt in Franklin Park, Illinois.
The officer fired in self-defense, fatally shooting 38-year-old Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, who had been in the U.S. illegally for more than two decades.
Arrest Attempt Turns Violent
ICE agents tried to arrest Villegas-Gonzalez during a vehicle stop on the morning of September 12.
Instead of complying, he accelerated toward the officers.
One officer was hit and dragged “a significant distance” as the suspect attempted to flee.
Fearing for his life, the officer discharged his weapon.
An ICE agent shot and killed a man in Franklin Park, Illinois, after authorities said he struck an officer with his car while trying to flee an arrest. A DHS official said the agent opened fire after the man resisted and injured the officer. CBS News @camiloreports has more.… pic.twitter.com/5m6Q1CV72B
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) September 12, 2025
Villegas-Gonzalez was shot and transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The ICE officer sustained serious but stable injuries.
Criminal History
DHS identified Villegas-Gonzalez as a Mexican national from Michoacán with a prior reckless driving conviction.
He had been living in the United States illegally for over 20 years.
Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez
Officials described him as the target of a “criminal illegal alien” enforcement operation.
Mainstream outlets described him as a “Michigan man,” citing comments from his girlfriend and stepdaughter.
They called him “a fun guy” who “respected people.”
Critics argue this framing downplays his illegal status and violent actions against law enforcement.
DHS Statement
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the officer acted appropriately.
“We are praying for the speedy recovery of our law enforcement officer. He followed his training, used appropriate force, and properly enforced the law to protect the public and law enforcement,” she said.
“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.”
Federal Authority
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called for a “full, factual accounting” of the incident.
JB Pritzker
He questioned whether ICE had a warrant, despite federal law granting broad authority for vehicle stops.
State Rep. Norma Hernandez blamed “Trump and ICE” for creating chaos.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, ICE has clear authority to arrest and remove illegal aliens.
Traffic stops do not always require warrants under the vehicle exception to the Fourth Amendment.
Officials stressed this was a lawful federal enforcement action.
Operation Midway Blitz
The shooting occurred amid “Operation Midway Blitz,” an ICE campaign in the Chicago area involving about 300 agents.
The operation has led to multiple arrests in recent weeks.
The Franklin Park incident drew heavy police presence and road closures.
