The Independent reported that Chicago 26th Ward Alderperson and NEIU alum Jesse Fuentes was briefly detained by ICE on Oct. 3, 2025, after she asked agents to show a warrant at Humboldt Park Health, where they had taken a man who fractured his leg during an earlier arrest. Agents refused to answer and moved to detain Fuentes before releasing her shortly after.
ICE activity has risen across the Chicagoland area, particularly in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Local and state politicians, including Fuentes, have made efforts to keep their communities and constituents safe.
Fuentes, in particular, has seen widespread support from her constituents since her altercation with ICE. Xavier Morales-Greene, an NEIU Sociology major and service worker for Fuentes, said residents have rallied behind Fuentes.
“People are thankful towards Jessie for her actions.” Morales-Greene said. “People are coming up to her, apologizing for what she had to experience, and people are celebrating her and her actions.”
Morales-Greene said community members have been coming in, asking how they can get involved.
“At least from my perspective working in the office, the community is looking to get involved,” Morales-Greene said. “I’m seeing more new faces every week — people who have never come to the aldermanic office before — coming in to see how they can get involved. “So I’d say the response has been pretty good, at least in the 26th Ward.”
As for actions, Fuentes’ office is working to educate the ward and Humboldt Park residents about the events that occurred earlier in the month.
In an interview after the press conference and incident, Fuentes said the City Council is discussing plans regarding ICE.
“Well, I’ve already introduced an ordinance that would amend the COPA ordinance to ensure that COPA is responsible for any investigation in which CPD cooperates with ICE,” Fuentes said.“We’ll continue to look at other legislation we can support, but best believe I’ll use every legislative tool available.”
Morales-Greene said there have been no updates on the man taken to the hospital but confirmed he was in the country on a work visa and was detained at his job. During the arrest, the man fled, and ICE agents fractured his leg.
As ICE activity increases across the Chicagoland area, protests have grown more frequent, local legislation is emerging to curb the agency’s reach, and advocacy efforts are expanding. Lawmakers such as Fuentes have become more vocal, as both support and fear spread through the city’s Latino communities, leaving many to question what can be done in times like these.
For those who are concerned about potential ICE presence on NEIU property, resources are available. Below are links to some resources available to NEIU students.
