Background on Silverio Villegas González
Silverio Villegas González, a 38-year-old father of two from Irimbo, Michoacán, left his hometown 18 years ago for the United States. Tragically, he returned to Mexico in a casket after being fatally shot by an ICE agent on September 12, 2025, during an attempted immigration detention in a Chicago suburb.
Villegas’ Life and Contributions
Villegas was remembered as a loving father and hardworking individual by his brother, Jorge Villegas. “With all the sadness this brings, at least my brother is here now, and we can give him a proper Christian burial. It’s some relief,” Jorge said, choked with emotion.
Circumstances Surrounding Villegas’ Death
The incident occurred shortly after Villegas dropped off his children at a primary school and nearby daycare. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security claimed that an ICE agent shot Villegas in self-defense after he drove his vehicle towards the agents. However, recordings from body cameras and documents reviewed by Reuters suggest a more complex account of events.
Reactions from Authorities
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have called for a thorough investigation into ICE agents’ tactics following Villegas’ death.
Impact on the Community
Villegas’ death has heightened tensions surrounding the aggressive immigration policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and highlighted the increasingly violent methods employed by immigration agents. Jorge Villegas expressed his hope for justice, stating, “I hope there is accountability for the way they killed him and how things unfolded; it cannot go unpunished.”
Blanca Ávila, a former classmate of Villegas, recalled him as a humble and hardworking person. She mentioned that his death has instilled fear in his siblings living in the U.S., who now worry about potential encounters with immigration authorities.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Silverio Villegas González? Silverio Villegas González was a 38-year-old father of two from Irimbo, Michoacán, who had lived in the United States for 18 years before being fatally shot by an ICE agent.
- What were the circumstances of his death? Villegas was shot by an ICE agent on September 12, 2025, during an attempted immigration detention in a Chicago suburb shortly after dropping off his children at school and daycare.
- What reactions have there been from authorities? Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have called for a thorough investigation into ICE agents’ tactics following Villegas’ death.
- How has the community been affected? Villegas’ death has heightened tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policies and instilled fear in his siblings living in the U.S., who worry about potential encounters with immigration authorities.
