Residents report federal‑agent use of force; council urges submission of video and flags possible policy review

Several Oak Park residents came to the council podium to report a violent encounter they said they witnessed earlier that evening involving Border Patrol/federal agents on Roanoke and Woodside drives.

Elizabeth Fritz Cottle said she filmed police activity and was told by officers to step back because she was near an active crime scene; she said an officer accused her of potentially obstructing justice. Julia Westenberg said she viewed video showing a Border Patrol agent tasing, throwing a woman to the ground and dragging her into a vehicle; she said witnesses did not see EMS called and asked the council to seek answers about federal agent conduct in the city.

Kenneth Sherman and Don Jones raised questions about the city’s ability to respond if federal agents are operating locally and the implications for the public‑safety budget. Council member Solomon Radner urged residents to bring any video or evidence to Police Chief Cooper so the department can investigate; he also reminded residents to comply with officers at active scenes to avoid interfering with response efforts. Council member Julie Edgar said she had raised the idea of an ordinance to limit or prohibit local collateral cooperation with unidentified federal agents and would continue discussing options with the city manager.

Council did not take any policy vote at the meeting; staff said residents should deliver evidence to the Police Department for review and that the matter may require follow‑up depending on what the department finds.