SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement in response to the Illinois State Police opening an investigation into the September 2025 fatal ICE shooting of Silverio Villegas González:

“We welcome this investigation and believe those responsible for the killing of Silverio Villegas González must be held accountable. For eight long months, evidence suggesting this shooting was unjustified – from body camera footage contradicting the federal agent’s claims of severe injury to lack of evidence supporting claims that an agent was dragged – has circulated in the public sphere.

“The findings of the Illinois Accountability Commission are clear: a documented pattern of ICE, Border Patrol and federal agents making discriminatory arrests based on race and ethnicity, acting recklessly, endangering the lives of community members and retaliating against rapid responders and community members – not only in the case of Villegas González, but also in the shooting of Marimar Martinez and in repeated incidents involving the use of chemical agents in residential areas. While the federal administration may fail to hold its own agents accountable, the state of Illinois will not.

“We’re renewing our call for the Cook County State’s Attorney to act against those who broke the law while claiming to enforce it. If that office refuses, we’re calling for a special prosecutor to be appointed.

“This investigation cannot undo the damage done — it cannot bring back a father to his two young children, heal the trauma of a young woman shot in Brighton Park, or erase the fear experienced by communities across Chicago. But it can set a clear precedent: in Illinois, this kind of reckless behavior is unacceptable.

“We urge ISP, the Cook County State’s Attorney and relevant law enforcement partners to act swiftly to bring justice for Silverio and for all of the victims of crimes outlined by the IAC.”