Biss tells ICE to 'get the hell out of our city' after immigration crackdown sparks chaos in Evanston

EVANSTON - Federal immigration activity in Evanston on Halloween sparked a crash, several arrests and a news conference from city officials who accused agents of sowing chaos across the northern suburbs.

What we know:

The briefing, held around 2:15 p.m. Friday near Chute Middle School, followed multiple reports to Evanston police and city officials about suspected federal immigration enforcement operations.

City officials accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection of "deliberately causing chaos" in Evanston, Skokie and nearby suburbs. The city also issued a public alert Friday warning of an increased federal presence "in and around Evanston."

"Our message for ICE is simple: Get the hell out of Evanston," Mayor Daniel Biss said during the conference.

According to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, U.S. Border Patrol agents were being aggressively tailgated by a red car. Agents tried to make a U-turn to deter the vehicle, but the car crashed into the agents' vehicle. Next, a crowd surrounded agents and their vehicle, "verbally abusing and spitting on them." 

One person was arrested. In a statement, McLaughlin said the individual was actively resisting arrest and pepper spray was used "to deter the agitator and disperse the crowd." 

Three U.S. citizens were arrested "as a result of their violence against law enforcement," according to officials.

Crash and arrests :

Evanston police said they received several calls reporting federal agents conducting deportation operations throughout the city. Officers confirmed agents on scene in only one instance.

Shortly before 12:30 p.m., police responded to a crash in which a vehicle rear-ended a federal vehicle. The collision led to a disturbance with community members, authorities said.

Federal agents took the driver of the civilian vehicle into custody. During the arrest, bystanders confronted the agents, leading to one or two additional arrests, police said. 

Before Evanston officers arrived, agents deployed pepper spray, and paramedics treated several people who were affected.

Evanston police did not make any arrests and said no one is in their custody. The investigation is ongoing.

Schools, city take precautions:

City officials said they were in contact with Evanston/Skokie School District 65 and Evanston Township High School District 202. Out of caution, both districts suspended outdoor activities.

A scheduled trunk-or-treat event at the Robert Crown Community Center was still expected to take place Friday evening, though officials said plans could change.

Trick-or-treating hours remain from 4 to 7 p.m., officials said, urging families to "exercise extra caution" given the reported federal presence.

Residents who witness federal activity are encouraged to contact the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights hotline at 855-435-7693 or call 911 if safety is a concern.

What they're saying:

Biss and Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita spoke at Friday’s briefing. In a statement, Biss said residents reported multiple alleged ICE and CBP "abductions" in Evanston, other northern suburbs and Chicago’s North Side. He also claimed CBP Commander Gregory Bovino was seen earlier Friday in Skokie.

"What federal agents are doing in Evanston right now is monstrous," Biss said. "On Halloween, when our families are supposed to be out enjoying the very best of our community, ICE and CBP are terrorizing Evanston and the northern suburbs while instilling fear across the Chicagoland area. This is despicable behavior, and everyone involved should be ashamed."

Biss said he is continuing to monitor federal activity and coordinate with Evanston police. He urged residents to remain vigilant, record any sightings from a distance and contact the immigrant support hotline if needed.

"To Gregory Bovino, Kristi Noem, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection: Get the hell out of our city," Biss said.

"This incident is not isolated and reflects a growing and dangerous trend of violence and obstruction," McLaughlin said in a statement. "Over the past several days, we’ve seen an increase in assaults and deliberate vehicle rammings targeting federal law enforcement during operations. These confrontations highlight the dangers our agents face daily and the escalating aggression toward law enforcement. The violence must end."

What's next:

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.