Jiménez Calls for Full Transparency into ICE-Involved Shooting Death in Franklin Park

CHICAGO, IL – State Representative Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, released the following statement after Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, 38, was killed by an ICE agent at a traffic stop in Franklin Park last Friday.

“Our communities mourn the violent death of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez and express their righteous outrage at President Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda, ICE’s pattern of racial profiling, and their unlawful policing in our communities.

“Militarized tactics with no transparency or oversight undermine the rule of law and create fear and chaos in our communities. Men in masks, arrests without valid warrants, and no certainty of due process are all tactics that strip our communities of safety and dignity and put our community in harm’s way.

“While the investigation is ongoing, the people of the state of Illinois expect nothing less than full transparency and a concerted effort by local, state and federal law enforcement to restore trust with our immigrant and Black and Brown communities. We all deserve to live and work in a state where we are not afraid to go outside. Making that possible starts with answers and accountability, not the scapegoating of our most vulnerable.

“Instead of taking responsibility, local rapid response teams—community members who work every day to protect their neighbors—came under attack and unwarranted scrutiny. That is unacceptable. I stand in solidarity with our communities, and demand an end to unconstitutional attacks that endanger all communities, especially immigrant communities, across Illinois.”