Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detains Unidentified U.S. Citizen in Evanston, Citing Supreme Court Opinion

On a Sunday morning in Evanston, Illinois, ICE agents stopped a man who “resembled the target” of an ongoing enforcement operation. Police arrived at approximately 9:49 a.m. near Howard Street and Dodge Avenue after reports of a fight and a claim that someone would be taken into custody. The man was found on the ground with injuries to his head, neck and teeth. After he identified himself as a U.S. citizen, agents left the scene without further incident.

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the stop by referencing a 2025 Supreme Court decision in which Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that “reasonable suspicion” may be based on factors such as gathering for day labor, type of work, or limited English proficiency. DHS said the ruling “vindicated” its practice of allowing ICE agents to stop individuals based on such suspicion under 8 U.S.C. § 1357. The agency emphasized that agents used “lawful commands” and that the suspect’s refusal to cooperate justified the encounter.

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The Evanston Police Department reported that the federal agent’s hands were blood-stained from attempting to handcuff the man and that the investigation remains ongoing. DHS added that its operations are “highly targeted” and that agents know who they are targeting ahead of time.

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Immigration advocates and civil-rights groups have similarly condemned the practice as racial profiling.

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• “ICE officers relied on their training and later left the scene without further incident once the individual finally identified himself. When ICE officers offered the individual assistance, he refused.” — Evanston PD

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• “To be clear, apparent ethnicity alone cannot furnish reasonable suspicion; under this Court's case law regarding immigration stops, however, it can be a 'relevant factor' when considered along with other salient factors,” — Justice Brett Kavanaugh

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