This week’s top photo comes from Visual Journalist Anthony Vazquez. Follow him on Instagram.
What makes this photo important?
This image captures the recent usage of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the role of TSA officers. Seeing ICE and TSA personnel side-by-side is a visual representation of how the transition has taken effect. Many lawmakers have pushed back on the use of ICE agents in airports — as have travelers — due to the agency’s history of racial profiling and the wrongful detention of U.S. citizens. For many, their presence represents a move toward more aggressive policing in public spaces, turning a routine travel gate into a source of fear and anxiety.
How did you get the photo?
This photograph was captured during a trip to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, following news reports of ICE agents being deployed to airports due to TSA shortages. Initially, the deployment to O’Hare was unconfirmed, leading to a “goose chase” between different terminals to verify the reports. The situation changed as ICE officers made their presence more visible. Their masks potentially contributed to their reduced concealment, making documentation easier. This particular image was obtained at a Terminal 1 exit where the agents were openly present, standing guard alongside TSA workers.
Technical details:
- Equipment: Canon EOS R5 with an RF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens
- Focal length: 92 mm
- Shutter: 1/250
- Aperture: f/2.8
- ISO: 3200
Plus, 15 more powerful photos from Sun-Times photographers:
A male axolotl, deemed “Sir Mix-O-Lotl” through a naming contest, swims in his tank at Brookfield Zoo on March 19. Sir Mix-O-Lotl was one of 20 rescued axolotls confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last year because they were illegally brought through O’Hare International Airport from Indonesia.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Volunteers with PAWS Chicago move a pet carrier containing a mother dog and some of her puppies, which were flown in from Los Angeles on Tuesday as part of an emergency transfer. Hundreds of other dogs and cats seized in Los Angeles during an animal abuse investigation led to overcrowded shelters and the need to move other animals to avoid euthanizing them.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
An impersonator of President Abraham Lincoln salutes during the National Anthem to kick off a news conference Wednesay to recognize Navy Pier as the starting point of Route 66 near Harry Caray’s restaurant. This year is the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which Caray traveled to announce his first game in 1945.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times