Cicero Dad Claims 1-Year-Old Was Pepper-Sprayed in Federal Enforcement Operation

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A suburban Chicago father says he and his one-year-old daughter were unexpectedly pepper-sprayed by federal agents during an enforcement operation outside a Sam’s Club store in Cicero, Illinois. The incident, which the family says left both the father struggling to breathe and the child crying in pain, has raised new questions about the use of force during immigration enforcement sweeps.

According to Rafael Veraza, he and his daughter had just finished shopping and were sitting in their vehicle when they noticed unusual activity in the parking lot, including a helicopter overhead and loud horn signals. As they attempted to leave, Veraza said a masked federal agent approached the open driver-side window and sprayed a chemical irritant into the car, hitting both him and his child.

Veraza, who has asthma, said he immediately experienced trouble breathing. His daughter’s eyes reportedly became red and swollen, and she began coughing and crying. The family rushed to a nearby hospital, where both were treated and later released. Video shared by the family showed the toddler distressed and wiping her eyes.

However, the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees federal immigration enforcement agencies, denied that any pepper spray was used during the operation. In a statement, the agency said the incident “did not occur as described” and insisted that no chemical agents were deployed at that location during the operation.

The enforcement activity is believed to be part of Operation Midway Blitz, a broader federal effort targeting undocumented individuals in the Chicago region. The initiative has already faced criticism from immigrant advocacy groups, who argue that enforcement actions have become increasingly aggressive and disruptive to families.

Legal tensions are also growing. A recent federal court order attempted to limit the use of chemical agents against non-threatening individuals during enforcement actions in the area. That ruling is currently being challenged by the government.

Local community organizations are now calling for an independent review of the Cicero incident, saying the conflicting accounts highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no official disciplinary actions or confirmations have been announced at this time.