Lake County Gazette

A 20-year-old Beach Park man, Jesus Machuca-Barragan, has been arrested on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and reckless discharge of a firearm after firing multiple shots during an argument at his home on December 5. 

The incident unfolded when Machuca-Barragan allegedly became involved in a dispute at his residence, which escalated to the point where he fired a gun outside the home. 

According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Machuca-Barragan fled the scene in his car, but deputies were not able to locate him immediately. 

Waukegan police later apprehended him at a gas station, where they discovered two pistols in his vehicle, along with spent shell casings.

No injuries were reported from the shooting.

The presence of small children at the residence during the incident led to the involvement of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), which was notified of the situation. 

Authorities said Machuca-Barragan's reckless actions put the children at significant risk, and the DCFS is now involved in investigating the safety and well-being of the minors.

Lake County Gazette reached out to the Lake County Sheriff's office to find out whether Machuca-Barragan is a United States citizen. Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli explained that, under the Illinois TRUST Act, local law enforcement is prohibited from inquiring about a person's immigration status. 

“The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/1) prohibits law enforcement from inquiring on one’s citizenship or immigration status, so I am unable to provide your requested info,” Covelli told the Lake County Gazette. 

The TRUST Act has drawn significant attention since its passage, as it restricts cooperation between local police and federal immigration enforcement agencies such as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). 

The law has sparked criticism from those who believe it may contribute to higher crime rates by shielding individuals with potential immigration violations from federal authorities. 

Critics point to cases like Machuca-Barragan’s as evidence of rising crime associated with sanctuary policies, arguing that these laws allow undocumented individuals to avoid deportation even after being arrested for serious offenses.

In this case, Machuca-Barragan also faces an active warrant for a previous DUI charge. 

The Lake County State’s Attorney's Office is seeking to have him detained while awaiting trial, citing his criminal history and the dangerous nature of his recent actions.