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Large groups of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents patrolled Downtown Chicago on Sunday, detaining a family at Millennium Park. Local officials condemned the militarized presence, with Mayor Brandon Johnson calling it a "brazen provocation" by the Trump administration. Witnesses reported armed officers intimidating residents as they marched through high-traffic areas.
A shooting in Uptown killed an 18-year-old man and injured a 27-year-old woman late Friday night. This marks the second teen fatality in the neighborhood in less than two weeks, following the murder of a 17-year-old boy earlier this month. Police have not made any arrests in connection to either incident.
Federal authorities intensified their actions in Broadview, arresting a journalist and deploying chemical weapons against protesters after the mayor criticized ICE's tactics. Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson urged the Department of Homeland Security to cease using chemical arms against residents, which she labeled as "making war" on the community. The escalating tensions have raised concerns about the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson condemned federal agents for using tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters at an ICE facility, claiming their actions endanger the community. Thompson demanded the removal of a fence blocking access to the facility, which she called illegal and harmful. She urged federal officials to stop their aggressive tactics and adopt a more compassionate approach.
Customs and Border Protection agents conducted a boat patrol on the Chicago River, drawing criticism from local officials who labeled it a “photo op.” Alderman Brendan Reilly and Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the operation, arguing it instills fear in immigrant communities and lacks coordination with local law enforcement.
Bruce Sagan, a prominent Hyde Park newspaperman and arts patron, died at 96 after a brief battle with cancer. He founded the Hyde Park Herald and played a key role in relocating the Joffrey Ballet to Chicago. Sagan received a National Medal of Arts from President Joe Biden in 2024.
Chicago Public Schools reported a 2.8 percent drop in enrollment this school year, totaling 316,224 students. This decline marks the first decrease in enrollment in three years and continues a trend of reduced student numbers over the past 15 years. Factors contributing to this decline include decreasing birth rates and immigration concerns affecting families in the city.
Tensions escalated outside an ICE facility in Chicago this week, coinciding with events like a historic river swim and Riot Fest. Block Club Chicago reporters captured these moments, highlighting the city's vibrant community engagement.
Federal agents confronted protesters outside the Broadview ICE facility on Friday morning, employing rubber bullets and tear gas. Demonstrators opposed federal operations targeting undocumented individuals, with tensions escalating as agents used force against the crowd. As protests intensified, some participants reported injuries from less-lethal munitions.
Block Club Chicago hosts its second annual block party on October 4, featuring local vendors, food, drinks, and a kids zone with activities like a bounce house. Families can enjoy live music from performers including the Wiggleworms and the Jesse White Tumblers throughout the day. VIP tickets are available for those interested in food, drink, and Block Club merchandise.