Officials say ICE detained US citizen, left him injured in Chicago suburb

Authorities in Evanston, Illinois, are investigating an incident from Sunday, September 20, 2026, where a U.S. citizen was reportedly detained and injured by federal agents believed to be from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Police responded to calls about an argument and found the man on the ground with injuries to his head, neck, and teeth; he was subsequently transported to a hospital. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing federal agents struggling with the individual, with some video footage capturing the man asserting his U.S. citizenship during the encounter.

According to a federal agent present, who identified himself as conducting a fugitive investigation, agents attempted to identify an individual resembling a person they sought. The agent stated the man refused to provide identification and resisted detention for fingerprinting. The agents then determined the individual was a U.S. citizen and released him. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, issued a statement indicating the individual was uncooperative and refused lawful commands to identify himself, and that agents left after he did so.

Evanston police are actively investigating the incident, collecting evidence including body camera footage and witness statements. This event has drawn attention to immigration enforcement practices, particularly in the context of recent scrutiny over ICE tactics and another related incident in Austin, Texas, on the same day.