U.S. Border Patrol shot at, attacked with bricks during Chicago operation

U.S. Border Patrol agents conducting an immigration operation in Chicago were attacked by a crowd and shot at on Saturday.

Agents were in the process of arresting a subject when a man in a black Jeep Wrangler “fired multiple rounds” at agents, then fled the scene.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, agents were also boxed in by an angry crowd, which threw bricks and paint cans at Border Patrol vehicles. After being aided by the Chicago Police Department, Border Patrol headed towards an FBI facility but was met by multiple vehicles that tried to ram or impede them.

The agents also encountered protesters when entering and leaving the FBI facility.

“As the rioters refused to comply with basic instructions and began throwing objects, Border Patrol deployed crowd control measures, cleared the area, and proceeded to a Sam’s Club parking lot,” DHS said. “Individuals stalked and followed the convoy into the parking lot and a vehicle rammed a Border Patrol’s vehicle. Three suspects were immediately arrested for assault.”

Eight U.S. citizens and one illegal alien were arrested for assaulting Border Patrol agents. No agents were hurt in the attacks, DHS said.

DHS blamed Democrat politicians and their sanctuary city policies for a rise in violence against immigration agents.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called the violence against law enforcement “unprecedented.”

“These attacks are the consequence of vitriolic smears from sanctuary politicians and the media,” she said. “Just last week, Chicago and national media falsely accused law enforcement of raiding a daycare center. Now, they are silent when our agents come under gunfire.”

McLaughlin added: “Make no mistake: Our mission will continue despite the violence. To any Antifa terrorist in Chicago: You will not stop us. You will not slow us down. And if you lay a hand on law enforcement, you will face the consequences.”

Federal law enforcement is scouring security footage to find a suspect in the shooting, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons told Fox News.

“They are out there scouring all leads, surveillance footage, things like that,” “We’re going to find them. We’ve made it clear that if you put your hands on an ICE agent or Border Patrol agent, or If you threaten [agents], shoot at them, throw rocks, we’re going to find you and we’re going to prosecute you.”

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks said: “Attacks on law enforcement agents during official operations will not be tolerated. Those responsible will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted. There will be consequences.”

The Trump administration launched Operation Midway Blitz in the Chicago area in early September, which so far has resulted in over 3,000 illegals arrested.