Indian-origin govt employee in Illinois asked about Mamdani by ‘masked’ agents; guv ‘appalled’: Report

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the incident as he slammed the Trump administration for racial profiling of the citizens.

Published on: Nov 9, 2025, 13:39:08 IST

By HT News Desk

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An Indian-origin employee with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) was reportedly questioned over his immigration status and his awareness of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat leader.

File image of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (AP)

Slamming the Donald Trump-led US administration for its anti-immigration stance, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the incident an example of President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem “continuing to question US citizens apparently based on the color of their skin.”

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According to a report by the Chicago Sun-Times, the employee was stopped and questioned by masked anti-immigration agents while working on the Busse Highway resurfacing project.

Illinois governor condemns incident

Pritzker’s office said that three masked agents questioned the IDOT employee about his immigration status, asked whether he had traveled to New York, and if he was “aware” of the mayor-elect in New York City before leaving.

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“I am appalled they would stop and question a state employee working hard on the job to help improve our state’s roads and infrastructure,” Pritzker said. “Our state employees should be able to go to work and do their jobs without masked agents targeting them for no legitimate reason.”

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However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied allegations that agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were involved in the interrogation of the IDOT worker.

Immigration raids in Illinois

Federal agents on Saturday conducted raids in Illinois triggering protests in some parts of Chicago. Reuters reported that police detained a man during an argument with residents during the immigration raid. During the raids, a man also fired shots at US Border Patrol agents, the Department of Homeland Security said. The suspect who driving black jeep is still on the run. DHS said "agitators" threw a paint can and bricks at Border Patrol vehicles on Saturday during operations.

"Over the past two months, we’ve seen an increase in assaults and obstruction targeting federal law enforcement," DHS said in a statement.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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