UPDATE: Disturbing footage of a U.S. citizen being detained during a federal raid in Elgin, Illinois, has sparked outrage among local immigration advocates. The incident occurred on September 16, 2025, when DHS agents forcibly entered a home on Chippewa Drive, leaving the community in shock.
During the raid, federal agents handcuffed Joe Botello, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen born in Texas, alongside several others. The dramatic moment was captured on video and shared on social media by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, igniting a firestorm of criticism. “I think it’s disgusting,” said local activist Ismael Cordová-Clough, who witnessed the raid. “They utilized our community for their theatrics. That is not putting our safety first.”
The DHS operation, dubbed Operation Midway Blitz, aims to increase immigration enforcement in the Chicago area. Noem’s post included a message asserting that the raid targeted “violent offenders” but failed to mention Botello’s status as a U.S. citizen. This omission has raised concerns about the portrayal of individuals detained during such operations.
Botello recounted being handcuffed and questioned by armed agents before being released after showing his identification. “I was a bit in shock,” he said, describing the chaotic scene. The raid involved the destruction of the home’s front door and shattered windows, leaving residents rattled.
The DHS defended the operation, stating that Botello and others were “briefly held for their and officers’ safety” and emphasizing that “no U.S. citizen was arrested.” However, the agency did not address the public outcry regarding the video or Noem’s social media portrayal.
Local advocates are demanding accountability. Cordová-Clough criticized the government’s actions, stating, “If I was a U.S. citizen displayed in that manner, I would be suing them.” Another activist, Delani Hernandez, called the video “propaganda” for the Trump administration, emphasizing that not all individuals involved were criminals. “Some people were just there because they lived there,” she added.
The raid resulted in the detention of five individuals allegedly undocumented, with reports indicating that the operation had been under surveillance for days prior. Notably, the primary target was identified as Carlos Gonzalez-Leon, a Mexican citizen previously deported multiple times.
This incident has sparked a heated debate about the tactics used during immigration enforcement and the rights of U.S. citizens. Legal experts have weighed in, suggesting that while authorities have the right to detain individuals during such operations, misrepresenting their status can lead to significant repercussions.
As the community reels from this event, advocates are urging residents to remain vigilant and aware of their rights. The situation continues to develop, with many calling for transparency and a reevaluation of how immigration enforcement is conducted in the U.S.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
