Mexican Father Killed by ICE in Chicago Spurs Calls for Investigation

Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, a 38-year-old father of two originally from Michoacan, Mexico, was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a traffic stop in a Chicago suburb on September 12. His death has sparked mourning and demands for justice from his family and community, who describe him as a humble and hardworking man who did not deserve such a fate. Body camera footage and reports have challenged the initial Department of Homeland Security claim that the agent acted in self-defense after Villegas drove his vehicle toward officers, raising questions about the use of force. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and local officials have called for further investigation and transparency regarding the incident. The killing has intensified tensions over President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration policies and the increasingly violent tactics of immigration enforcement. A memorial mass and procession in Melrose Park and a funeral in Michoacan reflect the community's grief and their call for accountability.