A Tragic Homecoming For Man Killed By ICE Agents In Franklin Park

Silverio Villegas González returned to Michoacán in a coffin after being fatally shot by federal immigration agents during a traffic stop in Franklin Park on September 12. His family held a wake in their childhood home, attended by around 20 relatives and neighbors, with the church in Irimbo filling the next day. The Mexican Consulate in Chicago funded his repatriation, reflecting a broader issue where hundreds of bodies return to Michoacán each year, often following incidents involving undocumented immigrants and law enforcement. In 2025, at least 28 remains of Michoacanos were repatriated, with many families remaining private about their losses. Consul Saúl Juárez Montaño explained that families often fear contacting authorities regarding deaths involving police, complicating the situation.

The consulate conducts socioeconomic assessments to determine eligibility for financial assistance for families. Additionally, they maintain a list of reliable funeral homes to ease the repatriation process. These cases underscore the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities and the need for transparency in incidents involving law enforcement.