ICE Arrests Chicago Suburb Officer for Alleged Illegal U.S. Presence
ICE agents arrested a Hanover Park police officer on Thursday morning. The arrest took place in the Chicago suburb due to allegations of unlawful presence in the U.S. Radule Bojovic, a Montenegrin national, is accused of overstaying his tourist visa, which expired in 2015.
Details of the Arrest
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that Bojovic was found during a targeted enforcement operation in Illinois. His immigration status raised significant concerns.
Graduation and Training
The Hanover Park Police Department celebrated Bojovic’s recent graduation from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy in August. He was also in the midst of an intensive 15-week field training program designed to prepare him to serve the community.
DHS Statement
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed her disapproval, stating that Bojovic, who allegedly lived illegally in the U.S. for ten years, violated laws meant to protect citizens. She questioned the decision of police departments to hire individuals with unknown legal backgrounds.
Implications of the Arrest
- Possession of a firearm by non-citizens is a felony.
- Bojovic’s situation highlights the risks of hiring law enforcement officers without verifying immigration status.
Context of Recent Arrests
This incident follows a similar case in September, when ICE arrested the superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district for unlawful presence since the early 2000s. The superintendent faced additional firearm-related charges, drawing more attention to immigration enforcement in public service roles.
As investigations continue, the implications of hiring practices within police departments are under scrutiny nationwide. The Hanover Park case may prompt further reviews of background checks and immigration status verification in law enforcement agencies.
