Chicago saw an unusual scene on Sunday when a cyclist managed to elude US Border Patrol agents during a chase in the middle of downtown. The incident, filmed by a bystander, spread rapidly on social media.
In the video, the cyclist can be heard shouting, “I’m not a US citizen” and “come on” at the agents. At one point, his phone slipped from his pocket, prompting one officer to comment, “You dropped your phone.” As the man bent to pick it up, agents closed in, but he quickly mounted his bike and sped off, leaving them behind.
Authorities have not said whether the man was eventually caught or if any charges were filed.
Online, the footage triggered a wave of ridicule directed at the agents’ inability to apprehend him. One commenter noted, “I know this is supposed to be scary and all but how does a group of like 20 of them miss so hard… at the start the cyclist was running with his bike, not even on it, and the idiot couldn’t even catch up.” Another joked, “The thing with wearing all that paramilitary equipment—it’s gonna weigh you down. I bet they didn’t think of that when they designed this cosplay uniform.”
Border Patrol agents deployed in Chicago
The chase occurred against the backdrop of a larger federal operation. According to a Fox 32 report, dozens of armed Border Patrol agents were stationed across several of Chicago’s busiest tourist areas on Sunday, including Wacker Drive, Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, and River North.
Their presence drew swift criticism from local officials. US Rep. Jesus “Chuy” García stated, “We want Trump and his aides to be clear. We will not take this lying down. We will fight to defend all of our constitutional rights in spite of your attacks.”
Meanwhile, ABC7Chicago reported that multiple individuals—including a family with children—were detained. A senior Border Patrol official admitted that some stops were made based on appearance, fueling concerns over profiling and the broader use of immigration enforcement in the city.
