Radio transmissions from the Chicago Police Department have revealed a disturbing directive: officers were ordered to ignore distress calls from federal agents who were under fire in Brighton Park this past Saturday morning. This order left federal officials vulnerable during a violent ambush, exposing them to significant danger when they needed support most.
Federal officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were conducting routine patrols when they found themselves surrounded by at least ten vehicles. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security characterized the situation as a premeditated attack by “domestic terrorists.” One of the attackers, Marimar Martinez, a U.S. citizen known for doxxing ICE agents, rammed her vehicle into an ICE patrol unit while armed with a semi-automatic weapon.
As the situation escalated, the agents were compelled to exit their vehicles and fire defensive shots, resulting in injuries to Martinez, who later drove herself to a local hospital and was admitted to FBI custody. Fortunately, no federal officers suffered serious injuries, though some CBP agents sustained minor wounds.
During the chaos, as agents sought backup, dispatchers in the Chicago Police Department sent out a chilling stand-down order. An audio recording revealed the moment when officers responding to the scene were abruptly waved off. One dispatcher was heard saying, “I’m waving off all of the cars heading to 39th Place in Kedzie,” and another added, “Those are the orders we’re giving.” This response signified a betrayal of duty by local law enforcement, leaving federal agents isolated amidst a growing and hostile crowd.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the Chicago Police for their failure to protect federal officers. She detailed the harrowing events on social media, describing how they were “rammed by vehicles and boxed in by 10 cars.” She underscored the danger the agents faced when a driver armed with a semi-automatic weapon attacked them. McLaughlin highlighted the seriousness of the situation further by noting that the armed assailant had previously threatened law enforcement on social media, declaring, “Hey to all my gang, let’s [expletive] those mother [expletive] up, don’t let them take anyone.”
Amidst this turmoil, President Trump authorized the deployment of 300 Illinois National Guard troops to assist on the ground, a move reflecting the federal government’s response to the failure of local authorities. This decision came amid ongoing protests against major immigration enforcement actions that have been implemented over the past weeks. Allegations of criminal alien involvement connected to these operations have fueled tensions throughout the city.
Governor Pritzker of Illinois responded negatively to the involvement of National Guard troops, claiming that the president had turned Chicago into a “war zone” for political gain. In a heated social media post, Pritzker seemed to express frustration over Trump’s actions, stating, “This morning, the Trump Administration’s Department of War gave me an ultimatum: call up your troops, or we will.” While Pritzker focused on criticizing federal actions, questions arise about the local government’s commitment to public safety and law enforcement’s ability to handle such incidents.
This incident illuminates a troubling trend regarding local law enforcement’s willingness to support federal operations. As protests and rioting continue to escalate in cities across the nation, it’s imperative to assess the implications of such stand-down orders on public safety and the enforcement of laws intended to protect citizens.
Federal agents, despite being placed at risk, continue their work amid rising threats. Their commitment, even when faced with hostility and lack of local support, underscores the pressing need for effective collaboration between federal and local authorities to ensure the safety and security of communities.
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