At Campos Law Firm, we closely monitor developments in U.S. immigration policy to protect our clients’ rights and future. On Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents mistook a U.S. citizen for a fugitive. The man ended up in the hospital.
This case matters even if you have papers, or are a citizen yourself. Here is what we know, what officials are saying, and what you can do if you ever face a similar situation.
What happened in Evanston?
According to the Associated Press and Chicago station WTTW, five federal agents in separate vehicles were searching for a specific person at around 9:49 a.m. They encountered a man who, they said, resembled their target. When he refused to identify himself, they tried to handcuff him and pinned him to the ground.
Several witnesses said the man kept saying he was a citizen. One of them, Ryan Garton, said he heard the man scream, “I’m a citizen, leave me alone,” and afterward saw facial abrasions, a swollen right temple, and blood coming from his mouth. Once the agents confirmed he was a citizen and not the person they wanted, they let him go.
The man was treated at Saint Francis Hospital for injuries to his head, neck, and teeth. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss said the injuries were minor. The man’s name has not been released.
What are officials saying?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that ICE officers “encountered an individual who resembled the target” of a targeted operation. DHS said the officers immediately identified themselves as law enforcement and that the man “was not cooperative and refused to identify himself,” adding that the officers left the scene without further incident.
The Evanston Police Department said its officers found the man on the ground being helped by bystanders. The department is investigating, preserving body camera footage, and interviewing witnesses. U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky said she was “disgusted and outraged” by what happened in her hometown.
This is not an isolated case. In October 2025, a ProPublica investigation documented more than 170 U.S. citizens held by immigration agents, some for days.
Do you have to identify yourself to immigration agents?
The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on who you are and on the situation.
- If you are a U.S. citizen: the law does not require you to carry proof of citizenship. You have the right to remain silent, although rules about giving your name vary by state and by the type of stop.
- If you are not a citizen: federal law requires people 18 and older to carry proof of their immigration registration, such as a green card or work permit.
- Either way: declining to talk does not mean resisting. Physically resisting can escalate the situation and lead to charges, even if you are in the right.
The most prudent course is usually to stay calm, state clearly whether you are a citizen or resident, ask whether you are being detained or are free to go, and ask to speak with an attorney before answering further questions.
How do you document an incident with immigration agents?
What happens in the following hours can determine whether anyone is held accountable. If you, a relative, or a neighbor goes through something like this:
- Write down the details: time, place, number of agents, names or badge numbers, license plates, and the agency they said they represented.
- Record if it is safe: recording officers in a public place is generally protected, as long as you do not interfere with their work.
- Get medical care and keep the records: photos of injuries and hospital records are key evidence.
- Gather witnesses: ask for names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
- Talk to an attorney early: there are complaint channels at DHS and damage claims against the federal government, with strict deadlines, generally two years to file the administrative claim.
Protect Your Rights with Campos Law Firm
A case of mistaken identity can happen to anyone, and the documentation gathered in the first hours makes a difference. Our team can explain your rights when dealing with immigration agents, review your status and your family’s, and help you evaluate next steps after an incident. Campos Law Firm is here to help you.
Do not leave your immigration status to chance. Call us today at +1 (844) 922-6767 to schedule a free, confidential consultation in English or Spanish. Campos Law Firm: Legal Solutions in All Areas of Law.
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