WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WGN) – A 23-year-old U.S. citizen was arrested and released in Waukegan on Monday as federal agents ramp up immigration enforcement efforts in Lake County. The incident has sparked criticism from community leaders who describe the policing tactics as heavy-handed and un-American.

Dariana Fajardo, a Lake County resident, shared her experience following the arrest. “I didn’t resist. I complied with everything, and they shoved me into the car,” she said. “It was very scary, but there are people who have been through a lot worse.”

According to a written statement from Department of Homeland Security spokespeople, federal agents took action after Dariana, who was driving her car, allegedly attempted to box in ICE vehicles. Dariana denied these accusations, stating, “He was telling me to get in, and how can I get in if you’re shoving me into the seat?”

Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham tried to intervene on Dariana’s behalf but was unsuccessful. “We’re in uncharted territory right now. It’s not what we think is right. It’s what they think is right,” Cunningham remarked.

Dariana’s family and other community leaders also condemned the arrest as unwarranted. Her cousin, Sandra Fajardo, noted, “Clearly she had her passport with her. They didn’t even grab that. They threw it in the car, left it behind.”

U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Illinois) criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies during a protest at Waukegan’s Veterans Memorial Plaza, joined by other community leaders. “[Trump] is attacking every single American,” Schneider said. State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen (D-31st District) added, “We have neighbors who are afraid to go to the grocery store. This is un-American.”

In response to growing concerns, several community organizers hosted a “Know Your Rights” event on Tuesday, aiming to educate residents on how to respond if approached by federal agents.
https://wgntv.com/news/operation-midway-blitz/immigration-arrests-waukegan-illinois/