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A U.S. citizen was hospitalized with head, neck, and dental injuries after federal immigration agents tackled him in a case of mistaken identity on Howard Street.
Evanston Police Department officers are investigating a violent encounter after federal immigration agents mistakenly detained and injured a U.S. citizen.
The incident occurred Sunday morning along Howard Street outside the El Pueblito Mexican Grill commercial establishment.
Witnesses report that federal agents confronted an unidentified local resident after mistaking him for a suspect they were actively pursuing.
Miguel Olivares was taking a break inside the restaurant when he noticed multiple official vehicles parked directly outside the premises.
“It looked like police vehicles until I started hearing, ‘I’m a U.S. citizen. I’m a U.S. citizen,'” Olivares stated regarding the commotion.
Olivares immediately retrieved his mobile phone and began video recording the altercation through the window.
Witnesses observed agents using severe physical force against the man while pinning him directly onto the pavement.
“They were being rough with him; they had him pinned against the floor, and it looked like one of the agents hit him in the face,” Olivares recalled.
Evanston police officers responded to the scene following emergency calls reporting two men engaged in an active verbal argument.
Arriving officers located the victim lying on the ground suffering from noticeable injuries to his head, neck, and teeth.
Emergency medical personnel arrived on scene shortly after and transported the injured man to a local hospital for treatment.
Witnesses informed responding officers that the individuals involved in the physical assault appeared to be U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
Officers located federal agents nearby who confirmed they were searching for an individual who closely resembled the Evanston resident.
Agents released the victim after verifying his official status as a natural-born or naturalized U.S. citizen.
Community members gathered around the victim immediately following the encounter to offer emotional comfort and support.
“He was shooken up. He wasn’t really able to talk much. All he said was that he was a U.S. citizen, that he doesn’t know why they targeted him,” Olivares added.
The Evanston Police Chief personally visited the victim in the hospital to ensure the victim receives proper municipal support.
Community advocates are calling for immediate transparency and formal investigations into the federal agents’ use of physical force.
“The only thing that I can think of that’s scarier than federal agents beating up people in the street is federal agents beating up people on the street without repercussions,” said Nathan Ryan of Sanctuary Evanston.
Federal authorities, including representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
Local legal aid organizers advise residents to know their constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement officials in public spaces.
Evanston police detectives continue to review video evidence and document witness statements as the multi-agency inquiry proceeds.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW.
