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 filed a claim against the federal government following his fatal shooting by an ICE officer during a 2025 traffic stop in a Chicago suburb. The claim, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, alleges misconduct and an unjustified use of force that violated Department of Homeland Security policy. While DHS initially stated the officer fired in self-defense as Villegas attempted to flee, the legal complaint cites medical examiner findings and surveillance footage to argue the officer was not in the vehicle's path and shot downward at close range. The filing is a prerequisite for a federal lawsuit seeking damages and accountability for the incident.

The family of Silverio Villegas González, a 38-year-old Mexican father, has filed a claim against the federal government following his fatal shooting by an ICE officer during a 2025 traffic stop in a Chicago suburb. The claim, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, alleges misconduct and an unjustified use of force that violated Department of Homeland Security policy. While DHS initially stated the officer fired in self-defense as Villegas attempted to flee, the legal complaint cites medical examiner findings and surveillance footage to argue the officer was not in the vehicle's path and shot downward at close range. The filing is a prerequisite for a federal lawsuit seeking damages and accountability for the incident.