The incident was captured on cell-phone video on Oct. 3, 2025, at the Humboldt Health safety-net hospital.
In the video, reviewed by the I-Team, Alderperson Jesse Fuentes of the 26th Ward can be seen asking agents if they had a warrant to arrest a patient seeking care at the hospital, but the agents refused to answer, and eventually, Fuentes was put in handcuffs.
"The U.S. employees, aware that she was an elected official and that she was not violating any law, physically shoved her, grabbed her,
swore at her, threatened her, and handcuffed her, causing physical, psychological, and emotional injuries," Fuentes lawsuit states.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in a previous statement to the I-Team in part, "Fuentes was escorted out in handcuffs but never placed under arrest. Once agents removed her from the area, she was free to go."
This incident took place during "Operation Midway Blitz" the government's codename for enhanced immigration enforcement in the Chicago area that led to many violent encounters between Chicagoans and immigration agents.
In the lawsuit, Fuentes said she was called by Humboldt Health leadership to the hospital, "requesting her presence at the hospital Emergency Room, because federal agents were present there, uninvited, frightening staff and patients."
Once she met the agents, she said they told her to, "Get the [expletive] out of here," before shoving her, and eventually taking her into custody.
A DHS spokesperson issued a statement, saying, "During a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Chicago, U.S. Border Patrol vehicles were blocked by agitators and their vehicles were boxed in by vehicles. After repeated verbal lawful commands to disperse the crowd, USBP deployed tear gas and pepper balls. During this operation, an illegal alien was arrested and later complained of a leg injury from his attempts to flee law enforcement and evade arrest. Out of an abundance of caution he was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
At the hospital, nearly 30 protesters, including Alderperson Jesse Fuentes, attempted to gain access to the detainee. She was escorted out in handcuffs but NEVER placed under arrest. Once agents removed her from the area, she was free to go.
Our brave officers are facing a surge in increase in assaults against them, including terrorist attacks, cars being used as weapons on them, and assaults by rioters. This violence against law enforcement must END. We will not be deterred by rioters and protesters in keeping America safe."
This is a developing story. Check back with ABC7 for updates.
The video in the player above is from a previous report.