Illinois Lawmaker Calls for Full Investigation Into Fatal ICE Shooting After Bodycam Footage Surfaces

An Illinois lawmaker is calling for a full investigation into the fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas González by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents after new body camera footage raised questions about the official account of the incident.

Video obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times shows ICE agents describing their injuries as "nothing major" shortly after the September 12 shooting in Franklin Park, Illinois. The Department of Homeland Security had previously said one agent was "seriously injured" and dragged a significant distance by Villegas González's car.

"An ICE agent shot Silverio dead. DHS lied about what happened," Rep. Delia C. Ramirez said in a post on X. "There needs to be a full, thorough investigation into what happened that morning. All camera footage must be released. And Noem must come to the committee and account for ICE's unlawfulness and lies."

The bodycam footage shows Villegas González, a 38-year-old father of two from Michoacán, Mexico, being removed from the street after the shooting. He was later pronounced dead at Loyola University Medical Center.

The video also shows the blue jeans of a federal agent were left bloodied and torn, and he told local police that he was "dragged a little bit." Speaking over a radio, the federal agent who told police that Villegas González tried to use his car as a weapon said his partner had suffered "a left knee injury and some lacerations to his hands."

"Nothing major," the injured agent said.

"Nothing major," his partner echoed.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has demanded a "full, factual accounting," while Mexican officials, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, have condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation, as The Chicago Sun-Times reports. The Mexican consulate in Chicago has formally requested access to all evidence.

Ramirez has been a vocal critic of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, previously presenting a motion in the House Homeland Security Committee to subpoena Noem in connection with immigration enforcement activities in Chicago. In those remarks, Ramirez accused DHS of racial profiling, unlawful arrests, and using excessive force, pointing specifically to the killing of Villegas González.

The FBI's Chicago field office has said it is assisting in the investigation, but has not clarified the extent of its role. DHS officials have maintained that the "appropriate investigative agency" will review the incident before ICE conducts its own use-of-force review.

No charges or disciplinary actions have been announced against the agents involved, while community protests and vigils for Villegas González have continued, with mourners describing him as a "kind soul" and "devoted father."