A routine morning turned into a frightening ordeal for a U.S. citizen in Chicago when federal immigration agents allegedly crashed into her car, then forcibly pulled her out and detained her without explanation, according to reporting by the Chicago Tribune.
The incident happened on October 10th in the 1600 block of West Hubbard Street in the West Town neighborhood.
The woman, identified as Dayanne Figueroa, was on her way to get coffee before work when the chaotic scene unfolded.
Ambush and Arrest
The federal agents were reportedly conducting an operation to arrest landscapers believed to be in the country without documentation.
As a crowd gathered, honking horns to warn others, an unmarked federal vehicle reportedly sped away from the area, crashing into Ms. Figueroa’s car.
Videos reviewed by the Chicago Tribune show masked agents jumping out with guns drawn. They then opened her car door, pulled Figueroa out by her legs, and placed her into a red minivan before driving away.
Witnesses reported that the agents did not show badges, present a warrant, or state that she was under arrest.
Bystanders shouted, “You hit her! We have it on video!” Figueroa’s car was left abandoned in the middle of the street.
Immigration agents crashed into a U.S. citizen on her way to work—then dragged her out and arrested her.
Her family couldn’t find her for hours.
She was later released without charges.Read the story: https://t.co/akRpMJQU1Q pic.twitter.com/CwkOtLhowB
— Laura N. Rodríguez Presa (@LAURA_N_ROD) November 3, 2025
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement claiming that Figueroa caused the crash.
They alleged she blocked their vehicle, honked, and intentionally struck their car while they were leaving.
DHS also claimed she fought back violently, injuring two officers, and was arrested for assault.
However, videos reviewed by the Chicago Tribune do not show agents being hurt. Ms. Figueroa was released the same day around 4 p.m. without any charges being filed.
“I was in shock and terrified,” Figueroa told the Chicago Tribune. “The video evidence is clear: Agents crashed into me. I was not involved in any protest or related activity, and I intend to seek justice for how I was treated.”
The incident caused significant distress, especially for Figueroa’s family, who were unable to locate her for hours until they tracked her iPhone to an ICE center in Broadview.
Figueroa, a mother and paralegal, required medical attention after her release for injuries and bleeding related to a recent kidney surgery.
Online, a debate started on X. Reporter Laura N. Rodríguez Presa from the Chicago Tribune shared the story. A user called Libs Of Chicago questioned if the video showed the full truth and said the woman might not be innocent. The reporter asked for their view and suggested agents release their own video for clarity.
The controversial arrest adds to a growing number of complaints in Chicago regarding federal agents’ use of force and their aggressive tactics against bystanders and U.S. citizens.
