Illegal Immigrant Working as Police Officer Arrested
Federal immigration officials have arrested an illegal immigrant who was working as a police officer in a suburb of Chicago, raising concerns about the vetting processes in sanctuary jurisdictions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrest of Radule Bojovic, originally from Montenegro. Bojovic had been serving as a police officer with the Hanover Park Police Department. He was apprehended as part of Operation Midway Blitz, a federal initiative targeting individuals residing in the country illegally, particularly those in sanctuary states like Illinois.
According to federal authorities, Bojovic had overstayed his B2 tourist visa by more than a decade, with his legal stay expiring on March 31, 2015. Despite this, he was employed as a law enforcement officer, a position of considerable public trust.
Hanover Park Police Department records indicate that Bojovic was approved by the Pension Fund Board of Trustees in January, making him eligible for a starting salary of nearly $79,000. The DHS further noted that his earnings for the year totaled over $205,000, including taxpayer contributions for FICA and Medicare taxes.
This incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stricter immigration enforcement and a reevaluation of sanctuary policies. Critics argue that such policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, can create environments where individuals who should not be here can slip through the cracks, potentially jeopardizing public safety.
“It is deeply troubling that an individual who violated our nation’s immigration laws was able to obtain a position of authority and trust within a police department,” said a spokesperson for a conservative think tank. “This case highlights the urgent need for states to cooperate fully with federal immigration officials to ensure the safety and security of our communities.”
The DHS has emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that it is a federal crime for an illegal alien to possess a firearm. The fact that Bojovic was not only residing in the country illegally but also carrying a firearm as part of his law enforcement duties raises significant legal and ethical questions.
This incident is not an isolated one. Earlier this year, a similar case emerged in Maine, where a foreign citizen was arrested after unlawfully trying to purchase a firearm. These incidents underscore the potential risks associated with lax immigration enforcement and the importance of ensuring that those entrusted with upholding the law are themselves abiding by it.
As the debate over immigration policy continues, this case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of failing to adequately vet individuals and enforce existing laws. It is crucial that our leaders prioritize the safety and security of our citizens by taking a firm stance against illegal immigration and ensuring that our law enforcement agencies are staffed by individuals who are committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.
