The agents mistakenly identified the Evanston resident as the person they were looking for.
The man was found on the ground in Evanston, Illinois, on Sunday morning after police received reports of an altercation around 9:49 am. They later realised he was a US citizen and not the fugitive they were seeking, and released him.
A US citizen was injured during a confrontation with immigration enforcement agents in a Chicago suburb after they allegedly mistook him for a fugitive, according to local police and a witness. He told officers that he had suffered injuries to his head, neck and teeth and was taken to a hospital by ambulance, Evanston Police Department said. A federal agent told responding officers that five agents in separate vehicles were searching for a fugitive who had a Chicago address and an arrest warrant, according to police. The agents mistakenly identified the Evanston resident as the person they were looking for, the officer said. The man refused to provide identification, after which the agents attempted to handcuff him, police said. The agent told police he had been injured while trying to handcuff the man. The agents then left the area, saying they feared protesters who had gathered nearby could attack them, according to the police statement. Evanston police said they are investigating the incident, preserving available body-camera footage and interviewing witnesses. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss said the man was treated at St Francis Hospital for minor injuries. He said the police department was continuing to investigate the incident and would remain vigilant about federal activities.
A police officer who arrived at the scene noticed blood on one of the agent’s hands. Officers have also visited the man at the hospital and photographed his injuries.