UPDATE: Local immigration advocates are in an uproar following the brief detention of a U.S. citizen during a federal raid in Elgin, Illinois, on September 16, 2025. The incident, which involved footage of the citizen being handcuffed, was publicly shared by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, prompting widespread condemnation.
This shocking event unfolded early Tuesday morning at a residence on the 900 block of Chippewa Drive. Federal agents forcibly entered the home, causing significant damage as they broke down both the front and back doors. Among those detained was Joe Botello, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen born in Texas, who found himself handcuffed and questioned by armed agents despite showing his identification.
“I was in shock,” Botello recounted. “They didn’t show a warrant, and I was taken to a vehicle before being released.” Botello confirmed that he was later freed after federal agents scanned his driver’s license.
Shortly after the operation, Secretary Noem posted a video on social media showing Botello and others being led away, stating, “We are not backing down.” Her message claimed the raid was part of a larger effort to remove violent offenders from the streets. However, the video failed to clarify that one of the detained individuals was a U.S. citizen.
Immigration activists, including Elgin resident and activist Ismael Cordová-Clough, expressed outrage over Noem’s actions. “Using our community for their theatrics is disgusting,” he stated. Cordová-Clough articulated that the video misrepresented the individuals involved and placed an unjust overlay of guilt on them.
The DHS later clarified that no U.S. citizens were arrested, asserting that Botello and others were briefly detained for safety during the operation. This statement has done little to quell the anger among local advocates, who view the raid as an infringement on community safety and trust.
As part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” a heightened immigration enforcement initiative announced by Noem, federal officials reported the arrest of five undocumented immigrants during the raid. These arrests have raised further scrutiny regarding the tactics employed by DHS agents.
The raid has drawn significant media attention, with local officials including U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood stating that approximately 250 arrests have occurred statewide since the operation commenced on September 6. Underwood met with ICE officials to discuss community concerns, emphasizing the emotional toll these actions have on residents.
In light of these developments, Cordová-Clough warned, “This should concern every American. The presumption of guilt without evidence is a dangerous precedent.” Fellow activist Delani Hernandez labeled Noem’s video as “propaganda,” highlighting the collateral damage inflicted on innocent individuals during raids like this one.
Legal experts have weighed in, noting that while authorities may detain individuals during such operations, portraying a U.S. citizen in this manner is irresponsible and could be legally protected for officials. Attorney Steven Greenberg criticized the portrayal of Botello and others as criminals, arguing that it undermines the principle of innocent until proven guilty.
As this story develops, the community is left grappling with the implications of federal immigration enforcement tactics. Local advocates are calling for transparency and accountability from DHS and are determined to push back against what they see as an overreach of power.
The fallout from this incident continues to unfold, and advocates plan to rally in Elgin, demanding justice and an end to such practices. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation evolves.
