Federal agents deploy tear gas during clash with residents in Old Irving Park; at least 3 in custody
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At least three individuals were detained Saturday morning following a confrontation between local residents and federal agents on Chicago’s Northwest Side.
Witnesses told WGN-TV they were shaken by the incident and are seeking answers about why federal agents approached a landscaper working in the neighborhood.
Brian Kolp, a nearby resident, said he was sitting on his couch with a cup of coffee when he heard loud noises outside. Looking out his window, he saw agents making an arrest on his front lawn.
“I think I heard one of the whistles, that’s what caught my attention, and then they tackled him right in my front yard,” Kolp said.
The confrontation occurred in the Old Irving Park neighborhood, near Kildare and Waveland. Video from the scene shows neighbors confronting federal agents as tear gas filled the air, with several people pinned to the ground.
“They ended up taking at least two other people into custody, including my 70-year-old-ish neighbor who was just coming home from a run. They took him to the ground and eventually escorted him away,” Kolp said.
According to Kolp, the incident began when agents approached a man working in a yard nearby. The man ran, and agents caught up with him a block away. Concerned neighbors gathered outside, and tensions quickly escalated.
“It’s a Saturday, so a lot of people were home and came out to see what was happening. The situation escalated from there,” Kolp said.
Kolp described the use of chemical agents by federal authorities as excessive.
“Nobody was being violent. No one had weapons,” he said. “I wasn’t close to where they used the tear gas, and I never heard them announce it beforehand. It was upsetting for many, especially with kids living on the block.”
Other neighbors, who declined to appear on camera, described the incident as traumatizing. Despite the chaos, Kolp said he is proud of the community’s response.
“As terrible as it is to see it happen on our block, I’m very proud of my neighbors for coming together and showing that we won’t tolerate this kind of behavior in our neighborhood,” he said.
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