(The Center Square) – A man is dead and a U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement officer is injured after the ICE officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop in a Chicago suburb.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the ICE officer was attempting to arrest a “criminal illegal alien” named Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez. According to a statement from DHS, Villegas-Gonzalez resisted arrest, attempted to flee the scene, drove at law enforcement officers and dragged the ICE officer with his car. DHS said the officer feared for his life and fired his weapon.
The Village of Franklin Park released a statement saying that the suspect was taken to Loyola Hospital and pronounced dead.
The ICE officer is in stable condition with multiple injuries.
“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,” Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.
DHS said ICE law enforcement are facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them as they carry out enforcement operations.
According to DHS, Villegas-Gonzalez had a history of reckless driving and entered the U.S. at an unknown date and time.
Franklin Park officials say the FBI Chicago field office is in charge of the ongoing investigation.
