WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WGN) — A 23-year-old U.S. citizen was arrested and released in Waukegan Monday as federal agents ramp up immigration arrests in Lake County.
The news comes amid accusations of heavy-handed policing and community leaders are calling it un-American.
“I didn’t resist. I complied and everything and they shoved me into the car,” Lake County resident Dariana Fajardo, who was arrested and released in Waukegan on Monday, said. “It was very scary, but there’s people who have been through a lot worse.”
In a written statement, Department of Homeland Security spokespeople said federal agents took action after Dariana, who was driving her car, allegedly tried to box in ICE vehicles. Dariana denied those accusations.
“He was telling me to get in and how can I get in if you’re shoving me into the seat,” Dariana said.
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham tried to come to Dariana’s aid as well, to no avail.
“We’re in uncharted territory right now. It’s not what we think is right. It’s what they think is right,” Cunningham said.
Dariana’s family and other community leaders said the arrest was unwarranted.
“Clearly she had her passport with her. They didn’t even grab that. They threw it in the car, left it behind,” Dariana’s cousin Sandra Fajardo said.
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Illinois) criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Schneider and other community leaders went to Waukegan’s Veterans Memorial Plaza to protest.
“[Trump] is attacking every single American,” Schneider said.
“We have neighbors who are afraid to go to the grocery store. This is un-American,” State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen (D-31st District) added.
A number of community organizers hosted a “know your rights” event Tuesday, doing their best to try and educate the community on what to do should federal agents approach them.
