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ICE Officer Fatally Shoots Driver Who Dragged Officer During Franklin Park Stop, DHS Says

DHS defends the shooting as part of Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois.

Overview

  • DHS identified the deceased as Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez and said he drove at officers during a targeted vehicle stop in Franklin Park, striking one and dragging the officer a significant distance.
  • An ICE spokesperson said the injured officer suffered severe back injuries, hand lacerations and knee tears and has been released from the hospital.
  • Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the officer followed training and criticized social media calls to resist apprehension.
  • Franklin Park police referred inquiries to the FBI, which processed the scene and said there is no threat to public safety.
  • Officials tied the enforcement action to Operation Midway Blitz, as the Mexican consulate identified Villegas-Gonzalez as a 38-year-old cook from Michoacán and Illinois leaders called for a full accounting.