Masked Agents Question Illinois Transportation Worker in Contentious Immigration Stop

An Indian-origin employee for the Illinois Department of Transportation was stopped and questioned by masked federal agents. The incident occurred last week while the worker was on a highway resurfacing project. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has publicly condemned the agents’ actions.

The governor slammed the stop as an apparent case of racial profiling. He connected the event to the Trump administration’s broader immigration policies.

Governor Pritzker “Appalled” by On-the-Job Interrogation

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, three masked agents approached the state employee. They questioned him about his immigration status. The agents also asked if he had traveled to New York recently.

They specifically inquired if he was aware of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. The worker was engaged in official duties on the Busse Highway project. Governor Pritzker expressed his outrage over the event.

He stated that state employees should be free to do their jobs without being targeted. The governor’s office confirmed the details of the encounter. Reuters also reported on related immigration enforcement activities in the state.

Federal Denials and Rising Tensions in Illinois

The Department of Homeland Security has denied its agents were involved. Both ICE and Customs and Border Protection have been ruled out. This contradiction highlights the confusion surrounding the event.

The incident follows a series of federal immigration raids in Illinois. These operations have sparked local protests and confrontations. In one related event, a man fired shots at US Border Patrol agents.

The Department of Homeland Security reports an increase in assaults on its personnel. Agitators have thrown objects at federal vehicles during operations. The political fallout from these events continues to grow.

The questioning of a state employee signals an escalation in immigration enforcement tactics. This Illinois incident has drawn national attention to the methods being used. It raises serious questions about the boundaries of federal authority.

Thought you’d like to know

Who was questioned by the masked agents?

An Indian-origin employee of the Illinois Department of Transportation was questioned. He was working on a highway resurfacing project at the time. The agents asked about his immigration status and his awareness of a political figure.

How did Governor Pritzker respond?

Governor JB Pritzker said he was “appalled” by the incident. He condemned the targeting of a state employee during his official duties. The governor accused the administration of racial profiling.

What has the federal government said about this event?

The Department of Homeland Security has denied involvement. Officials stated that neither ICE nor Border Patrol agents were involved in the questioning. This creates a direct contradiction with the state’s account.

Were there other immigration operations in Illinois?

Yes, federal agents conducted raids in Illinois around the same time. These operations triggered protests in parts of Chicago. One incident involved a suspect firing shots at Border Patrol agents.

Why did agents ask about Zohran Mamdani?

The reason remains unclear. Agents asked the employee if he was aware of the New York City Mayor-elect. No official explanation for this line of questioning has been provided.