UPDATE: A Skokie woman claims she was threatened with arrest by U.S. Border Patrol agents while filming their actions in Evanston on October 21, 2025. Kimberly Polka, an active community member, reported this alarming encounter during a Village Board meeting held on Tuesday evening.
In a shocking revelation, Polka stated that while visiting a pet store in Evanston, she noticed agents parked near a Home Depot and began documenting their activities. When approached by two agents, she was warned that she could be arrested for “impeding” their operations. This incident raises serious questions about the rights of individuals to film law enforcement in public spaces.
During her statement to the Board, Polka described the tense moment when agents confronted her as she recorded on her phone. One agent, not covering his face, threatened her directly, stating, “I’ll arrest you and take you to jail.” Polka responded, “I have the right to record you,” highlighting her belief in her legal rights under the First Amendment.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the Border Patrol had arrested four individuals from Mexico and Venezuela in the area on the same day. However, the agency did not disclose the identities or charges against these individuals. Notably, some members of the arrested group had prior convictions for domestic battery and larceny.
Polka’s experience has ignited a larger conversation about the presence of federal immigration agents in community spaces. She insists she was merely documenting the agents’ actions to ensure transparency and safety in her community. “I wanted to record it,” Polka explained, emphasizing her concern for potential injustices occurring unnoticed.
The incident has reignited calls for the establishment of “ICE-free zones” in Skokie, similar to those implemented in Evanston and Chicago. Polka urged the Village Board to take action, stating, “Silence is complicity. Do not give these kidnappers places to lay and wait.” Her passionate plea underscores the emotional impact this encounter has had on her and the community.
Videos shared on social media show similar encounters across the Chicago area, where individuals filming immigration agents have reported intimidation. In a related incident, attorney Scott Sakiyama was arrested outside Lincoln Elementary in Oak Park for allegedly interfering with federal officers.
As this situation develops, the implications for residents’ rights and the actions of federal agents remain critical. Polka’s experience serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in local communities and the urgent need for clarity on citizens’ rights to observe and document law enforcement activities.
The Skokie Village Board is now under pressure to respond to these concerns and clarify the stance on federal immigration enforcement within the community. Residents await further developments as the conversation surrounding these issues continues to evolve.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story as it impacts local communities across the nation.
