Federal law enforcement officers were targeted in a coordinated attack in Chicago on Saturday.
The Department of Homeland Security called the incident “dangerous” and “not isolated,” highlighting a rising wave of assaults against immigration agents.
CBP agents were carrying out operations near 26th Street and Kedzie Avenue when an unidentified male in a black jeep opened fire.
Officials say the suspect fled the scene. Agents also faced a barrage of bricks and a paint can thrown by a group of agitators.
The Chicago Police Department responded quickly to assist and clear the scene. Both the shooter and the vehicle remain at large. DHS called it a “dynamic situation” and urged vigilance.
Footage from the scene shows a significant police presence, with officers cordoning off streets while a helicopter hovered overhead. Border Patrol Commander at Large Greg Bovino, who oversees “Operation Midway Blitz,” was personally on site to assess the situation.
“A large group of agitators — many speaking Spanish — were throwing objects at our agents as they tried to restore order,” DHS wrote on X.
“This incident is not isolated and reflects a growing and dangerous trend of violence and obstruction. Over the past two months, we’ve seen an increase in assaults and obstruction targeting federal law enforcement during operations. These confrontations highlight the dangers our agents face daily and the escalating aggression toward law enforcement. The violence must end,” DHS added.
The Chicago ambush is part of a series of attacks targeting federal immigration agents. Just weeks ago, agents were “boxed in” by multiple vehicles and faced at least one armed assailant during enforcement operations.
The area near the Broadview ICE facility has been a hotspot for assaults, per Trending Politics.
Officials say the attacks fit a worrying pattern of organized leftist violence aimed at federal officers. DHS cited a similar ambush over the July 4 weekend in Alvarado, Texas, where an officer was shot in the neck while a group of militants coordinated distractions and armed attacks outside an ICE facility.
Eleven individuals have been charged in connection with the Chicago ambush. DHS warned, however, that key perpetrators remain at large. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The agency stressed the dangers faced by officers during routine enforcement operations. “These confrontations are escalating,” DHS said. “Our agents risk their lives daily, enforcing the law and protecting our borders. Attacks like this will not be tolerated.”
The Chicago ambush has drawn criticism from both law enforcement and political figures. Observers say attacks on federal agents threaten public safety and undermine the rule of law.
CBP officials confirmed that no agents were seriously injured in the attack, but they emphasized the psychological impact and the growing concern over public hostility toward immigration enforcement personnel.
DHS officials are reviewing security measures at ICE and CBP facilities nationwide. They warn that similar attacks could occur elsewhere if tensions continue to rise.
The Chicago incident marks one of the most serious assaults on federal immigration personnel in recent months. DHS said the department will continue to investigate aggressively and hold all responsible parties accountable.
