Family of immigrant dad fatally shot by ICE files claim against government, saying death was preventable

The family of Silverio Villegas González, a 38-year-old Mexican father, has initiated a legal claim against the federal government following his fatal shooting by an ICE officer in a Chicago suburb. The incident occurred during a September 2025 traffic stop as part of 'Operation Midway Blitz.' While DHS initially claimed the officer fired in self-defense because Villegas resisted arrest and attempted to flee, the family's legal team cites medical examiner findings and surveillance footage suggesting the officer was not in the vehicle's path when he fired. The claim, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, seeks accountability and damages for what the family describes as an unjustified use of deadly force contrary to agency policy.

The family of Silverio Villegas González, a 38-year-old Mexican father, has initiated a legal claim against the federal government following his fatal shooting by an ICE officer in a Chicago suburb. The incident occurred during a September 2025 traffic stop as part of 'Operation Midway Blitz.' While DHS initially claimed the officer fired in self-defense because Villegas resisted arrest and attempted to flee, the family's legal team cites medical examiner findings and surveillance footage suggesting the officer was not in the vehicle's path when he fired. The claim, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, seeks accountability and damages for what the family describes as an unjustified use of deadly force contrary to agency policy.