In the latest chapter of Chicago’s ongoing saga of street chaos and political theatrics, a manhunt is unfolding for a suspect who opened fire on Border Patrol agents. This incident occurred in the middle of the day right when officers were busy conducting immigration enforcement operations. As if things weren’t already heated, the scene included anti-I.C.E. protesters flinging paint and bricks, creating a spectacle straight out of a low-budget action movie. Some might say this outrageous behavior was sparked by the anti-I.C.E. rhetoric fed to the masses by certain state leaders. It’s almost like they have a script to rile people up against law enforcement.

With the suspect still on the loose after having a daylight shootout, it raises a big question about the safety and respect for those trying to enforce the law. The fact that this isn’t just a random event but part of a worrying trend where attacks on I.C.E. and Border Patrol have reached sky-high percentages is not something to brush aside. Meanwhile, the powers that be seem more interested in pushing their political agendas than backing up the people actually trying to keep communities safe.

What’s truly baffling, as if the antics themselves weren’t enough, is how certain city officials decided that this chaotic display was the perfect moment to jump on social media, branding it unconstitutional. It almost sounds like something out of an exaggerated political satire. But seriously, these operations target dangerous criminals, including convicted child rapists and murderers, yet it’s being painted as if law enforcement is the bad guy. It’s a twisted reality show where political cheap shots take the center stage while public safety finds itself on the cutting room floor.

The blame game seems to be the name of the game for Democratic leaders like Governor J.B. Pritzker and others, who prefer to grandstand rather than acknowledge the dangers faced by those in the line of duty. These politicians, some believe, use these moments to shine a spotlight on themselves, engaging in what can only be described as shameful acts of self-promotion. It’s a lot easier to criticize from a comfortable office than to face the harsh realities officers encounter every day. They should follow a more adult-like approach, placing citizens’ safety over political maneuvering.

Now, one might reasonably expect Mayor Brandon Johnson to step up, hold a press conference, and express outrage at such a brazen act of violence against agents tasked with a tough job. After all, it’s about setting a tone and standing against violence. Unfortunately, swift and decisive condemnation appears to be as elusive as the suspect himself. Until something changes, it’s the law enforcement officers on the ground who continue to bear the brunt of dangerous conditions while politicians seem to thrive on the disorder.