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“You Know Mamdani?”: Indian-origin worker grilled by ICE agents in Illinois
Three masked men claiming to be federal agents interrogated the IDOT employee on a Park Ridge worksite, raising concerns about racial profiling.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 10, Nov 2025
- 11:08 EST
- 24
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The entrance to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office stands behind fences outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York City, U.S., July 22, 2025. / REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
An Indian-origin employee of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) was questioned about his immigration status and asked whether he knew incoming New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani while working at a construction site near Park Ridge.
The worker, a U.S. citizen, was on duty when three masked individuals who identified themselves as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents approached him and began interrogating him.
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The agents asked the state employee to prove his citizenship, questioned whether he had travelled to New York, and asked if he recognized Mamdani. Mamdani’s election has drawn national attention as he becomes New York City’s first Muslim mayor, first mayor of South Asian heritage, and first mayor born in Africa.
According to Chicago Times, Governor JB Pritzker’s office confirmed the incident, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of U.S. citizens being singled out based on appearance. The governor said state workers should be able to perform their duties without fear and criticized the confrontation, saying the individuals acted without legitimate cause.
Following reports of ICE activity in the area, Park Ridge–Niles School District 64 instructed students and teachers to remain indoors. Superintendent Ben Collins said he had been informed of reports of ICE presence near several school buildings, although the identities of the individuals were not confirmed.
The Department of Homeland Security has denied that ICE or U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents were deployed in Park Ridge.
The incident unfolded against a backdrop of intensified immigration enforcement nationwide. President Donald Trump has expanded operations since returning to office, triggering protests and legal challenges.
In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, he said enforcement had not gone far enough and blamed judges appointed during previous Democratic administrations for limiting federal action.
Across the Chicago region, recent immigration actions have drawn scrutiny. According to reports, federal agents questioned residents in a Southwest Side neighborhood during a caravan-style operation and entered a North Center day care to detain a teacher identified as Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano of Colombia. Video from the scene showed her being taken away despite stating she had documentation.
Illinois officials say they are seeking additional information on the Park Ridge encounter as DHS continues to deny the involvement of federal agents.
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