Sunday, September 20, 2026   |   View in browser

Evanston Police Conduct Follow-Up on Incident Involving Federal Agents

EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston Police Department is investigating an incident involving an Evanston resident and federal law enforcement agents that occurred Sept. 20, 2026, near Howard Street and Dodge Avenue.

At approximately 9:49 a.m., officers were dispatched after an unknown caller reported hearing two males arguing and someone stating that an individual would be taken into custody.

Officers arrived in the 1700 block of Howard Street and found an adult male on the ground with several people assisting him. The man reported injuries to his head, neck, and teeth. Witnesses told officers that individuals they believed were U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had attempted to take him into custody. Evanston police officers requested an ambulance.

While responding, another Evanston officer encountered two SUVs near Dodge Avenue and Brummel Street. An individual from one vehicle, wearing plain clothes and a vest marked “POLICE” with federal law enforcement markings, identified himself as a federal agent conducting a fugitive investigation.

The agent told the officer that agents had attempted to identify an individual who resembled a person they were seeking. He said the individual refused to provide identification, was detained for fingerprinting, and resisted detention. Agents later determined he was not the person they were seeking and learned that he was a U.S. citizen. He was released.

The Evanston officer observed blood on the agent’s hands. The agent said he was injured while attempting to handcuff the individual and declined medical treatment.

The agent later told Evanston police sergeants that five federal agents had been operating in the area using separate vehicles. He said the person they were seeking had addresses associated with Chicago and that there was a warrant for that person’s arrest.

The agent also said the federal agents left the area after protesters began to gather because they feared they would be attacked.

Evanston officers later contacted the detained individual, an adult Evanston resident, at a local hospital. An EPD evidence technician photographed and documented his injuries. Police Chief Stewart also responded to the hospital, spoke with the resident, and provided information about available community resources.

EPD continues to investigate the incident. Officers are conducting a video canvass, preserving available body-worn-camera and in-car video, and collecting photographs and video from witnesses and community members.

Additional video evidence is still being collected and reviewed and will be prepared for public release as it becomes available.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Evanston Police Department. Anonymous tips may be submitted by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and beginning the message with “EPDTIP,” followed by the tip information. Individuals are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible.

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Media Relations: Commander Ken Carter
kcarter@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-866-5026