Pressure Grows on Cook County State's Attorney to Investigate Immigration Agents

Local Democratic leaders call for probe into federal agents involved in fatal and non-fatal shootings

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Local Democratic leaders in Chicago and Cook County are urging State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke to investigate and potentially prosecute federal immigration agents involved in two separate shootings - the fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez and the wounding of Marimar Martinez. The calls come amid tension between Mayor Brandon Johnson and O'Neill Burke over an executive order aimed at holding federal agents accountable under Illinois law.

Why it matters

The push to investigate the federal immigration agents reflects growing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics, particularly around the use of force. It also highlights the ongoing debate over the limits of local jurisdiction when it comes to prosecuting federal agents for actions taken in the line of duty.

The details

The lawmakers, including members of the Chicago City Council, Cook County Board of Commissioners, and Illinois State Representatives, want O'Neill Burke to open possible murder or attempted murder investigations into the killings of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez and the shooting of Marimar Martinez. Villegas Gonzalez was shot and killed during a botched attempted arrest in September, while Martinez was shot multiple times after following immigration agents during a raid in Brighton Park in October.

  • Villegas Gonzalez was shot and killed during a botched attempted arrest in September.
  • Martinez was shot multiple times after following immigration agents during a raid in Brighton Park in October.

The players

Eileen O'Neill Burke

The Cook County State's Attorney who is being urged to investigate the federal immigration agents involved in the shootings.

Brandon Johnson

The Mayor of Chicago who issued an executive order that he says would set the stage for prosecutors to bring charges against federal agents who break the law.

Silverio Villegas Gonzalez

The individual who was fatally shot during an attempted arrest by federal immigration agents.

Marimar Martinez

The individual who was shot multiple times after following immigration agents during a raid in Brighton Park.

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What they’re saying

“I am doing everything in my power to provide any level of support that can lead towards justice and protecting the people of Chicago. I don't see it as a disconnect.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago (FOX 32 Chicago)

What’s next

Mayor Johnson says he believes the offices of the State's Attorney and the Mayor are now on the same page regarding the executive order and holding federal agents accountable.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics, particularly around the use of force. It also raises questions about the limits of local jurisdiction when it comes to prosecuting federal agents for actions taken in the line of duty.