U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained a painter who was on his way to work on the 600 block of North Cuyler Avenue in Oak Park on Monday, Oct. 27 at approximately 7:50 a.m., according to Liz Lukeheart, an Oak Park resident.

Lukeheart observed the car pulling up and detaining the painter and also took a video (see above).  “I’m very involved in local rapid response groups and this happened right outside my house, so I was on the scene right away,” she said. 

Lukeheart added, “I’ve tracked down his family and am in contact with them. I don’t want to say too much for their privacy, but he was not an Oak Park resident. He is a painter who was on his way to a job here.”

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights released the following statement following the detainment: “The rapid response team has confirmed an abduction in the 600 block of North Cuyler at 7:50 a.m. this morning. There were three agents driving a Blue Nissan Altima.”

The statement continued, “Residents of the area are asked to be vigilant and aware of ICE presence in the area. You have the right to film police activity, the right to remain silent, the right to speak to an attorney, and the right to refuse to sign anything.”