News - Family Caught in Tear Gas Chaos During ICE Operation

In a harrowing incident during an ICE operation, Destiny Jackson and her family found themselves trapped in a vehicle engulfed by tear gas. The turmoil unfolded amidst protests after ICE agents shot a Venezuelan man during a traffic stop. The Jacksons, including their six children, were surrounded as grenades detonated their airbags, filling their van with gas and prompting a life-threatening situation. Destiny recounted the terrifying moment when their 6-month-old infant stopped breathing, requiring immediate CPR to resuscitate the baby. Despite the chaos, and with the help of bystanders, the family managed to escape the tear gas-laden vehicle, though three children had to be hospitalized following the ordeal. The incident came as part of Homeland Security's ongoing Operation Metro Surge, which has seen over 2,500 arrests since December. As the community grapples with the shock of the events, federal authorities have emphasized that no family members or children were intentionally targeted during the operation. Amidst calls for accountability, the chilling episode underscores the intense pressure and unintended risks faced by civilians during federal law enforcement operations. The Jackson family, now back home, is recovering physically, but the emotional scars from the traumatic encounter will take longer to heal. Meanwhile, the Midwest's current brutal cold snap intensifies the challenges confronting the region, exacerbating the fractured atmosphere between locals and law enforcement agencies.