Chase Concludes With Arrests on South Side
A Border Patrol pursuit through Chicago’s South Side ended in a collision that left streets clouded in tear gas and residents demanding answers. Officials said agents executed a maneuver to stop a red SUV that had earlier rammed a federal vehicle during the chase. The car spun out and crashed, after which two people attempted to flee on foot before being captured. Authorities confirmed that the incident is connected to an ongoing federal investigation into possible smuggling activities.
Crowd Escalation Leads to Chemical Response
Following the crash, witnesses gathered near the scene as law enforcement surrounded the wrecked vehicle. The crowd grew agitated, and objects were reportedly thrown toward agents. In response, officers deployed tear gas to disperse the gathering, filling nearby blocks with a chemical haze. Several people were affected, including 13 Chicago police officers who had been assisting federal agents during the operation.
Officials Condemn Handling of the Scene
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker denounced the use of tear gas, calling the action “reckless and unnecessary.” Local leaders urged federal authorities to review how the situation was handled and to establish clearer protocols for joint operations in densely populated areas. Chicago police said they are working with federal investigators to piece together the sequence of events that turned a highway pursuit into a chaotic street confrontation.
