Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Relations (SRE) announced it has launched urgent actions and close monitoring in the case of Silverio Villegas González, 38, who was fatally shot on September 12 during an operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Franklin Park, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that the agent attempted to detain Villegas González during a traffic stop, but he fled the scene in his vehicle, dragging the officer. In response, ICE stated the agent fired his weapon out of fear for his life. Villegas González was later pronounced dead at a Cook County hospital.
According to the SRE, Villegas González’s family requested consular assistance and support for the repatriation of his remains to his hometown in Michoacán. The Mexican Consulate has established direct contact with county forensic authorities in order to expedite the process once the corresponding medical examinations are completed.
In addition, the External Legal Assistance Program (PALE) has taken on the custody case of Villegas’s children, coordinating the necessary legal actions for their reunification with family members. The SRE stressed that the best interest of the minors is an absolute priority, and all available resources will be used to ensure a swift reunification.
Following contact between the Mexican Consulate General in Chicago and ICE regional authorities, it was confirmed that the case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Mexico’s consular representation and its Embassy in Washington will maintain close follow-up contact with U.S. federal authorities.
The case has sparked protests and demands for transparency from the Latino community in Illinois, including demonstrations and vigils in Franklin Park. Governor J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez have called for a thorough investigation and for the release of any video evidence—including body camera or surveillance footage—that could help clarify the circumstances of the incident.
The SRE reaffirmed that it will continue its diplomatic, consular, and legal efforts to ensure clarity, justice, and protection for the family of the deceased, in line with respect for human rights and the dignity of Mexicans abroad.
Related: AMEXCAN Denounces Human Rights Setback Following Ruling on Immigration Raids
Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
