Cook County Board Calls for Charges Against Federal Agents in Local Shootings

Preckwinkle and commissioners urge State's Attorney to pursue accountability for killings by ICE and Border Patrol.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and ten other county commissioners have called on State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke to pursue charges against federal immigration agents involved in the killing of Silverio Villegas González and the shooting of Marimar Martinez. The group statement cites the need for 'accountability and justice' for the affected families and communities.

Why it matters

The call for charges against federal agents highlights ongoing tensions between local and federal law enforcement, as well as debates over the appropriate jurisdiction and authority to investigate alleged misconduct by immigration officials. It also reflects concerns about the use of force by federal agents and the impact on immigrant communities.

The details

Preckwinkle and the commissioners, all Democrats, are urging State's Attorney Burke to 'pursue all available charges' against the federal agents involved in the two incidents. Burke has previously stated her office's limited ability to prosecute federal agents for on-duty actions, noting the U.S. Attorney's Law Enforcement Accountability Division would typically handle such cases. However, Burke has also drafted a protocol to clarify the process for handling cases involving ICE agent conduct.

  • Silverio Villegas González was killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Franklin Park last September.
  • Marimar Martinez was shot by a Border Patrol agent in Chicago in October.

The players

Toni Preckwinkle

The Cook County Board President who is leading the call for charges against the federal agents.

Eileen O'Neill Burke

The Cook County State's Attorney whose office has limited jurisdiction over federal agencies, but has drafted a protocol for handling cases involving ICE agent conduct.

Brandon Johnson

The Mayor of Chicago who previously issued an executive order directing Chicago police to investigate federal immigration agents for possible felony charges, before backing off due to concerns about the taint of politics.

Silverio Villegas González

The individual killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Franklin Park last September.

Marimar Martinez

The individual shot by a Border Patrol agent in Chicago in October.

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What they’re saying

“We support thorough law enforcement investigations wherever federal agents have violated the law. We urge the Cook County State's Attorney to act swiftly, proactively and transparently to ensure accountability and deliver justice for the families and communities who have been harmed.”

— Toni Preckwinkle and county commissioners

“CCSAO reviews evidence that is presented by law enforcement after a formal investigation has been conducted.”

— Eileen O'Neill Burke, Cook County State's Attorney

“Until that federal probe wraps up, local authorities can't investigate.”

— Chris Parente, Marimar Martinez's attorney (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.