Chicago Pastor Shot in the Head During an ICE Protest

**Trigger Warning: This article contains descriptions and images of police violence, gun violence, and injuries during protests. Reader discretion is advised. (2–3 min read)

September 19th, 2025

Outside of an ICE detention facility on September 19th, a Chicago pastor, Rev. David Black of the First Presbyterian Church, was shot in the head by a pepper ball fired by ICE agents. Video footage shows Pastor Black standing with his arms outstretched and praying when he suddenly the ICE agents that were on a roof nearby began firing not only towards him, but towards the crowd. As Pastor Black was knocked to the ground, witnesses said that the agents appeared to be laughing as they fired. Moments before, Pastor Black had been praying for the officers and those detained inside the facility.

“They shot me in the head and face and multiple times on my body,” he said. “I heard them laughing. It was deeply disturbing.” He was hit with both pepper spray and “near-lethal pepper balls on my head, face, torso, arms, and legs at least seven times in total.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the agents. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed protesters were blocking an ICE vehicle, throwing rocks and bottles, and ignoring repeated warnings to move. “If you are obstructing law enforcement, you can expect to be met with force,” she said in a statement. Not only did Pastor Black and others at the protest denied the claims made, they explained how the protest was nothing but peaceful and that no ICE vehicles were being blocked.

On a related note, Pastor Black has since joined a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing the government of violating First Amendment rights. A federal judge has also issued a temporary order restricting federal agents in Illinois from using tear gas, pepper balls, or excessive force against protesters and journalists. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are describing the actions of ICE “illegal and brutal suppression of First Amendment rights.”

Pastor Black, who is now recovering, says he will continue speaking out. “I was praying for them,” he said. “Even after being shot, I still am.” After reading about this whole incident, what are your thoughts? Share them by clicking the comment button on your right-hand side. Tune in for more related articles!