Veterans divided over ICE operations in Chicago area

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Some veterans say there is a painful tension to see the immigration enforcement that's impacted the very communities that raised them. While others say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are doing an essential job.

"They really serve the country from the heart," Navy veteran Esteban Burgoa said.

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Burgoa remembers serving alongside soldiers dressed head to toe in tactical gear ready to protect those back in the U.S. But now he says he's seeing that same warzone in Chicago's streets.

But there is a difference.

"No name tags to identify them, unmarked cars," Burgoa said. "Never, ever raise our arms against our country, our citizen, and that's what I see right now."

As a first-generation immigrant from Mexico, Burgoa says his love to serve his country was cemented after 9/11. He signed up to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. But he's conflicted over the heightened immigration enforcement, where agents have been seen during traffic stops, outside of schools and in the middle of downtown.

It's been a reminder of the sometimes conflicting identities of proud defenders of America with Hispanic heritage, or others who may disagree with the administration's decisions.

"We have one end of the spectrum, being proud of our service," Navy veteran Greg Sanchez said. "But on the other end, seeing our culture interrogated and sometimes chastised, and that hurts."

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According to the Clinical Psychology Review, it's called moral injury. It's considered a mental health disorder coming after participating or witnessing "acts that transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations."

"It's not racially motivated. I think it's based off of the crime. Crime doesn't have a color," Marine veteran Vicki Finnegan said.

For Finegan, the actions of ICE are necessary.

"You have to come to this country legally; otherwise you're taking resources from people that are currently here," Finegan said.

Finegan said she believed President Donald Trump, when he said there's a war going on in Chicago in reference to crime.

"I absolutely believe in it, not just in Chicago; it is in the suburbs," Finegan said. "I want my kids to be safe. I want my mom to be safe. I want everybody that I know to be safe."

Data have shown significant decreases in Chicago crime over the last five years.

Regardless of what side these veterans are on, they all agree, in any battle, it's better to work as one.

"If you ever go back to battlefield, you need all hands on deck," Burgoa said. "You cannot divide the country. You need everybody."

Finnegan said more transparency from ICE after they complete an arrest would help deescalate tensions. But she says she would support the National Guard being activated in Chicago.