In Des Plaines, Chicago, an alarming incident unfolded when ICE agents wrongfully tased and detained a U.S. citizen, mistaking him for an undocumented immigrant. Edgar Ruiz, a natural-born American, was hospitalized after the encounter, raising questions about the use of force and lack of protocol in immigration enforcement. While Ruiz has since been released, his father, who has lived in the United States for three decades without documentation, remains in ICE custody. The case has sparked outrage, especially as ICE intensifies raids under “Operation Midway Blitz.”
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Wrongful Arrest and Hospitalization
Edgar Ruiz, born in Chicago, was exiting a 7-Eleven with his two sons when ICE agents abruptly targeted him. Surveillance footage shows agents surrounding his family and forcefully engaging despite Ruiz being a U.S. citizen. He was tased, detained for two hours, and later released for medical care after being hospitalized. His father, Rigoberto Ruiz, remains in detention despite over 30 years of residency in the United States.
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Surveillance Footage Reveals Chaos
The video captures the chaotic moment when agents surrounded a truck where Rigoberto Ruiz had been sitting. When he resisted their attempts to open the passenger door out of fear, an ICE agent tased him directly in the face. Edgar and his brother rushed across a busy road in panic, but were pursued and detained. The footage underscores the aggressive approach taken by ICE in this raid.
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Operation Midway Blitz Raids
This raid was part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” an ICE crackdown in and around Chicago launched under the Trump administration. Officials claim the operation targets undocumented immigrants, but critics say its methods are reckless and indiscriminate. Civil rights groups argue that the raids are creating fear in immigrant-heavy communities while failing to differentiate between citizens and noncitizens.
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Community and Leadership Response
The Latino community in Chicago has voiced strong opposition to the raids, with leaders condemning ICE’s disregard for constitutional protections. Civil rights organizations have warned that mixed-status families are particularly vulnerable, as raids often fail to distinguish between U.S. citizens and undocumented individuals. Local leaders argue these actions erode trust and instill fear in immigrant neighborhoods.
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Growing Fear Among Families
Latino leadership groups report an increase in wrongful arrests and violent encounters with ICE. Families in mixed-status households now feel compelled to carry proof of citizenship at all times. “If you’re born here, but you look like your father, who is undocumented, you might still get treated the same,” said Berto Aguayo, policy co-chair of the Latino Leadership Council.
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Questions Over Use of Force
The violent arrest of Edgar Ruiz raises serious concerns about ICE’s adherence to protocols. Critics argue that the agents used excessive force and failed to properly communicate during the raid. CBS News Chicago pressed ICE and Homeland Security for an explanation regarding the tasing of Ruiz, but neither agency has responded. Legal experts suggest Ruiz may have grounds to file formal complaints or pursue legal action.
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Human Rights and Legal Implications
Edgar Ruiz’s case highlights the constitutional rights of U.S. citizens, including protection from excessive force and discriminatory treatment. His hospitalization after being targeted solely for “looking like his father” underscores the dangers of unchecked enforcement practices. Advocates stress that ICE’s failure to distinguish between legal residents and citizens jeopardizes fundamental human rights.