A Chicago suburb police officer, Radule Bojovic, has been arrested by ICE on charges of being in the country illegally, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The arrest comes as part of a surge in immigration enforcement in Illinois, known as 'Operation Midway Blitz'.
Bojovic, a native of Montenegro, was working as a sworn officer for the Hanover Park Police Department. He overstayed his tourist visa for 10 years and was required to leave the U.S. in March 2015. It's a felony for someone in the U.S. illegally to carry a firearm, and DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the police department for allowing criminal illegal aliens to work as sworn officers.
The arrest has sparked controversy, with some questioning the police department's hiring practices. The Hanover Park Police Department has not yet responded to ABC News' request for comment. Online records indicate Bojovic is in custody but do not specify his location or arrest details.
Despite the controversy, Bojovic was accepted into the Hanover Park Police Pension Fund in January with a starting salary of nearly $79,000. He also graduated from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy in August, according to a social media post by the Hanover Park Police Department. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has reacted to the arrest, criticizing sanctuary politicians for allowing criminal illegal aliens to infiltrate communities and police departments.
The case raises important questions about the safety of Americans and the effectiveness of immigration enforcement. It also highlights the need for strict adherence to immigration laws and the potential risks associated with allowing individuals in the country illegally to work in sensitive roles.
