A U.S. citizen was injured after federal immigration agents mistakenly detained him during an enforcement operation in Evanston, Illinois, according to local police. The September 20 encounter is now under investigation after officers found the man on the ground and later documented injuries to his head, neck and teeth.

The incident unfolded in Evanston, about 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, while federal agents were searching for a fugitive. The man’s identity has not been publicly released.

Evanston incident began during fugitive search

Evanston police said five federal agents traveling in separate vehicles were searching the area when they encountered a man who resembled the person they were seeking.

A federal agent later told local police that officers tried to identify the man, but he refused to provide identification and resisted detention. Agents attempted to detain him for fingerprinting before determining that he was not the wanted individual and that he was a U.S. citizen.

US citizen hurt during encounter

Police responding to the area found the man on the ground with bystanders assisting him. He reported injuries involving his head, neck and teeth and was taken for medical treatment.

Evanston police later met him at the hospital, where an evidence technician photographed and documented the injuries. Mayor Daniel Biss said the man received treatment for minor injuries.

Witness accounts and video have raised questions about how much force was used during the encounter. Evanston police said they are preserving body-camera and vehicle footage and interviewing witnesses as part of the investigation.

DHS response differs on key details

The Department of Homeland Security said ICE officers were carrying out a targeted enforcement operation and encountered someone who resembled their intended target.

According to DHS, agents identified themselves as law enforcement and issued lawful commands, but the man was initially uncooperative and refused to identify himself. The agency said officers left once he ultimately established his identity. DHS also said he refused assistance offered by ICE officers.

The DHS account did not explain how the man sustained his reported injuries.

Federal agents left as crowd gathered

A federal agent told Evanston police that officers left the area after protesters began gathering because they feared they could be attacked.

Local police did not participate in the federal immigration operation. Evanston maintains a Welcoming City policy, and city officials say local officers do not assist in federal civil immigration enforcement.

Police investigation continues

Representative Jan Schakowsky, whose district includes Evanston, condemned the incident and called for answers about how the U.S. citizen was mistakenly detained and injured. Her statement represents her political assessment of the case, while the factual circumstances remain under investigation.

Evanston police are continuing to collect video and witness evidence. The case has renewed scrutiny of identification procedures and use-of-force practices during immigration enforcement operations, particularly when agents encounter people who resemble their intended targets.