Montenegro-native cop arrested by ICE keeps job
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A Chicago suburb’s police department is under fire after announcing that a Montenegrin immigrant serving in law enforcement and arrested by ICE for visa overstays would continue his job.
Officials in Hanover Park, Illinois — which straddles DuPage and Cook counties — defended Officer Radule Bojovic, saying in a statement to CBS News that he was hired in “full compliance” with the law and had appropriate federal work authorization.
DHS was perplexed, with Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commenting: “What kind of police department gives badges and guns to illegal criminals? It is a crime for foreigners to possess a firearm. »
“A so-called law enforcement officer is actively breaking the law,” McLaughlin said, with his agency issuing new statements saying Bojovic’s employment had an estimated cost to taxpayers of $205,707.
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Police arrested two people as tear gas filled the air after being used by federal law enforcement agents who were confronting community members and activists in Broadview, Illinois. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The agency said Bojovic was “encountered” during Operation Midway Blitz, the ICE and Chicago Border Patrol enforcement action led by Commander Gregory Bovino.
Bojovic’s tourist visa reportedly expired in 2015, leading McLaughlin to question in a statement how he could be hired after ten years of living illegally in the United States.
Hanover Park officials told CBS News that Bojovic was hired through the proper vetting and channels and also provided a valid work authorization card that had recently been renewed.
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Bojovic’s first day back on full duty was Tuesday, according to police statements, with officials saying the man’s $2,500 bond for his DHS record was not in dispute.
That hasn’t appeased other conservatives, including commentator Chaya Raichik, better known as “LibsOfTikTok.”
“This is crazy as hell,” Raichik wrote on X. “Why is an illegal alien working as a cop and getting paid with our tax money.”
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Raichik also criticized a report that Bojovic was receiving back pay for the time he was off duty.
Bojovic has no criminal history in Illinois State Police and federal databases, according to Chicago’s FOX affiliate.
A Maine town is also under scrutiny after ICE says an illegal immigrant from Jamaica was serving as a reserve police officer in a “sanctuary jurisdiction” when he was allegedly arrested for illegally trying to purchase a gun.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Hanover Park Police Administration, as well as a deputy chief mentioned in a press release on the matter, for additional comment.
