Video: Feds appear to deploy chemical agent in standoff with Chicago residents

CHICAGO (NewsNation) — Federal officers appeared to deploy chemical agents in a Chicago residential area on Tuesday after a chase involving Border Patrol agents and another vehicle led to a crash, according to a statement made by a state lawmaker.

Illinois State. Sen. Elgie Sims said in a statement that he's monitoring a standoff between federal agents and bystanders, which led to agents using an unknown chemical agent to disperse crowds. Aerial video footage captured by NewsNation affiliate WGN captured a large presence of federal agents on Chicago’s East Side, where Chicago Police responded to reports of a crash.

One vehicle reportedly involved in the crash has been towed, according to the local station.

Footage captured from a WGN helicopter showed people holding large flags dispersing after agents could be seen throwing canisters on the ground that produced white smoke. Video footage also captured what appeared to be small objects being thrown toward law enforcement officers as part of the standoff between local residents and federal agents.

A Customs and Border Protection spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NewsNation on Tuesday.

“Using a chemical agent to disperse a crowd is unjust. No person should be targeted by the color of their skin, and no group should be attacked for standing up for what is right," Sims said in a statement obtained by WGN. "Let me be clear: Now is not the time for hate and divisiveness. Now is the time to stand united as a community and to protect our neighbors.”

This is a developing story. NewsNation will update the story as more information becomes available.