ICE Shooting: Father Killed in Illinois, No Criminal Record
Franklin Park shooting: Lawyer Contests ICE Account of Fatal Encounter with undocumented Father
Franklin Park, IL – An undocumented father fatally shot by an ICE agent in Franklin Park on Friday had no criminal history of violence, according to his attorney, contradicting claims made by Homeland Security officials. The shooting occurred after the agent attempted to arrest the man, identified as Villegas-Gonzalez, and he allegedly resisted, attempting to drive away in his vehicle.
Villegas-Gonzalez, 38, had just dropped his two sons at school before the encounter, his family shared on a GoFundMe page established after his death. While Homeland Security stated Villegas-Gonzalez had a criminal history of reckless driving and entered the U.S. at an unknown date, attorney Cardenas, who previously represented him in traffic matters, asserts his client was a law-abiding member of the community. This case reignites debate surrounding ICE tactics and the rights of undocumented individuals within the U.S. legal system.
According to DHS, the ICE agent fired after Villegas-Gonzalez attempted to drive his car into agents. Cardenas expressed shock at the account, stating, “It didn’t seem to fit the person that I knew.” He represented Villegas-gonzalez in two prior cases involving traffic violations - speeding, an expired driver’s license, lack of insurance, and a missing child restraint seat – both of which were resolved favorably and did not involve criminal violence.
Homeland Security confirmed Villegas-Gonzalez’s history of traffic offenses, but President Trump has previously characterized anyone in the U.S.illegally as a criminal, a claim Cardenas vehemently disputes. ”He was undocumented but he was complying with every single law. He was working,” Cardenas said, describing his client as respectful, hardworking, and compliant with court requirements.
The FBI’s Chicago Field Office has been informed of the situation and is assisting with the examination. It remains unclear if any body camera footage of the incident exists, as not all federal agents are required to wear them. Cardenas is calling for a full investigation into the shooting to prevent similar tragedies.