Chicago Alderperson Demands $100K from ICE After Handcuffing Incident

UPDATE: In a bold move, Chicago Alderperson Jessie Fuentes has filed a claim seeking $100,000 in damages against the federal government following a confrontational incident with ICE agents on October 3, 2025. Fuentes was handcuffed and threatened with arrest while questioning the legality of the agents’ actions inside Humboldt Park Health, a situation that has sparked outrage and garnered national attention.

The incident, which unfolded as a man with temporary protected status was detained, has brought to light concerns about federal agents’ treatment of individuals during operations. Fuentes, representing the 26th Ward, stated, “Federal agents are not above the law, and we must hold them accountable.” Her attorney, Jan Susler of the People’s Law Office, filed an administrative claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act, marking the first step toward a potential lawsuit if the claim is denied within six months.

Video footage from the incident shows Fuentes engaging with the agents, demanding to see a warrant for the arrest. During the confrontation, she was roughly grabbed and handcuffed by an agent who failed to identify himself, raising serious questions about federal accountability. The claim alleges that the incident resulted in injuries to Fuentes’ wrists and arms, as well as “extreme mental distress, anguish and fear.”

Susler emphasized the importance of this action, stating, “The alder is standing up to this terror… to lead with your sense of justice and insisting on accountability.” The claim seeks to hold the Department of Homeland Security accountable, despite the agents not being named individually.

The backdrop of this incident is troubling, as it reflects a broader pattern of aggressive federal actions under the Trump administration’s Operation Midway Blitz, which began in September. This operation has already led to over 1,000 arrests in the Chicago area, with reports of excessive force, including the shooting of individuals and the use of tear gas against protesters.

Fuentes, along with community activists, is documenting these alleged violations of constitutional rights, urging residents to resist the violence perpetrated by federal agents. “The only people at risk in this moment are the residents of the city of Chicago,” she stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

As this claim progresses, the community remains vigilant, with Chicagoans implementing various methods to resist federal overreach, including recording agents and alerting neighbors of their presence. The outcome of Fuentes’ claim could set a significant precedent for accountability in federal law enforcement actions.

Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops and Fuentes continues to seek justice against federal aggression.