Case: Fuentes v. United States

(This summary is temporary while we research the case further). The duly elected Alderperson of the 26th Ward of the City of Chicago filed suit against the United States of America, acting through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on May 18, 2026. The complaint alleged that on October 3, 2025, during "Operation Midway Blitz"—a federal immigration crackdown in Chicago involving military-style tactics, tear gas, and violence—U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents entered the Humboldt Park Health Hospital Emergency Room uninvited and were detaining an injured man when the Plaintiff arrived to advocate for her constituents. After she identified herself as an elected official and asked whether the agents had a warrant, the agents allegedly swore at her, shoved her, grabbed and yanked both arms behind her back, and handcuffed her tightly with metal handcuffs before removing her from the hospital. Upon removal, the agents took off the handcuffs but threatened to criminally charge and detain her if she returned, causing the Plaintiff to suffer physical injuries including shoulder pain, as well as psychological injuries including trauma, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and nightmares.

Invoking the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), 28 U.S.C. § 1346(b), the Plaintiff asserted eight counts under Illinois state tort law, including battery, assault, false arrest, false imprisonment, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, and gross negligence, seeking compensatory damages, costs, attorneys' fees, and any additional equitable relief.