10/13/2025
Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) is preparing to file a lawsuit against the ICE agent who handcuffed and threatened to arrest her at Humboldt Park Health earlier this month.
In an interview with Windy City Times, Fuentes said she has been consulting with lawyers about taking legal action and could file a lawsuit as soon as this week.
The lawsuit would stem from an Oct. 3 incident inside the hospital’s emergency room, where Fuentes was responding to support a man injured during an encounter with federal immigration agents.
“I’ve been doing fine since then, and my major focus has been making sure that we can get the support that’s needed for the individual who’s in the hospital,” Fuentes said.
A video shared by Fuentes’ office shows an agent suddenly grabbing Fuentes, turning her around and handcuffing her after she questioned whether the agents had a warrant for the man’s arrest. The incident prompted citywide outrage and a formal condemnation from most members of the City Council.
Fuentes added that the same ICE agent who handcuffed her has been filmed in at least three other violent encounters, including one at a Walmart, the viral arrest in Waukegan where the mayor was present, and another incident involving a woman.
“It seems that he’s a bit unhinged,” Fuentes said. “He’s obviously a danger to individuals and particularly women.”
