ICE agents arrested a police officer on Thursday morning in the Chicago suburb of Hanover Park, alleging he was an undocumented immigrant from Montenegro. The Department of Homeland Security claims the officer, Radule Bojovic, overstayed a tourist visa that expired in 2015 and had remained in the U.S. illegally for about ten years.
Bojovic was reportedly picked up during a targeted enforcement operation in Illinois, part of a federal crackdown on immigration enforcement. The Hanover Park Police Department had posted earlier that Bojovic had graduated from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy in August and was beginning field training.
In a strong public statement, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin sharply criticized the situation, questioning how a person allegedly living illegally could be granted a badge and suggesting it violated firearms laws for undocumented immigrants.
Hanover Park officials responded by insisting that Bojovic was legally authorized to work when hired. They say he presented a valid, recently renewed work authorization card, and that his background checks—including FBI and state police checks—did not flag any issues. They also cited a 2024 ATF memorandum that, they contend, allowed him to carry a firearm while on duty.
Bojovic has been placed on administrative leave while his immigration status is resolved. Officials say that if he is cleared to remain in the country and maintain work authorization, he could be reinstated.
This arrest comes amid a broader DHS initiative known as Operation Midway Blitz, targeting undocumented immigrants in the Chicago area, particularly in jurisdictions with sanctuary-like policies.
Source: CNN
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