Tragedy in Franklin Park: The Untold Story of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez

When Silverio Villegas Gonzalez failed to arrive on time for his shift at Tom & Jerry's Gyros in Chicago, his colleagues sensed something amiss. The 38-year-old, who regularly alerted his manager in case of delays, had been fatally shot that morning by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.

The incident, linked to a large-scale immigration crackdown, left Chicago mourning its first casualty. ICE claimed Villegas Gonzalez was a 'criminal illegal alien' and posed a threat to the agents. The Department of Homeland Security announced an internal investigation, adding to the response from both the FBI and local Franklin Park police.

Villegas Gonzalez's life paints a portrait of resilience. Leaving his tranquil village in Mexico, he chased economic prospects in the U.S., where he supported his children and overcame personal challenges. Despite facing minor traffic violations, he was dedicated to his family, marked by his sobriety and the love of his partner, Blanca Mora.

(With inputs from agencies.)