Federal Agents’ Reckless Use of Force Endangers Innocent Families in Chicago Suburbs

In a troubling display of federal overreach, Rafael Veraza and his one-year-old daughter were pepper-sprayed at close range while simply trying to do their grocery shopping. This disturbing incident unfolded in the Sam’s Club parking lot of Cicero, a suburb on the frontline of the ongoing immigration crackdown targeting Chicago's Mexican-American neighborhoods. Veraza recounted how they heard the now-familiar signs of federal agents nearby—the helicopter overhead, car horns signaling caution—and decided to leave the area. Instead of being allowed a peaceful retreat, a masked agent fired pepper spray directly into their vehicle through an open window. The assault left both...