A recent incident in Hanover Park, a suburb of Chicago, has ignited controversy over police employment practices involving non-citizens. Officer Radule Bojovic, a Montenegrin immigrant, was arrested by ICE after overstaying his visa. Despite this, the Hanover Park police department stated he will remain on the job. This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked strong reactions from officials and commentators alike.
Authorities in Hanover Park maintain that Bojovic was hired lawfully and had the necessary federal work authorization. They emphasized that the hiring process was conducted correctly, which they reiterated in a statement to CBS News. However, the response from the Department of Homeland Security tells a different story. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin voiced her concerns sharply, questioning the soundness of employing someone who is not in lawful immigration status as a law enforcement officer. “What kind of police department gives criminal illegal aliens badges and guns?” she stated. McLaughlin noted that it’s a felony for undocumented individuals to possess firearms.
The involvement of Bojovic in police work, especially as he had reportedly been living in the country illegally since his tourist visa expired in 2015, raises serious questions about background checks and hiring practices. McLaughlin’s comments reflect the disbelief that many share—how could a police department overlook such a significant violation of immigration law? Her agency’s assessment estimated the cost of Bojovic’s employment to taxpayers at around $205,707, which adds to the financial implications of this situation.
Hanover Park officials argue their processes are sound. They point to Bojovic’s valid Work Authorization Card, which had been renewed shortly before his arrest. Nonetheless, this does little to quell public concern. The fact that Bojovic was arrested during “Operation Midway Blitz”—an initiative aimed at enforcing immigration laws—underscores the issue.
While the police department stands firm, dissenting voices from the conservative community are growing. Chaya Raichik, widely known for her social media presence as “LibsOfTikTok,” expressed her outrage. She termed the situation “crazy as hell” and questioned why an undocumented person could serve as a police officer funded by taxpayer dollars. Raichik’s comments highlight a broader unease regarding non-citizens in law enforcement roles.
Bojovic’s bond from his DHS case was reportedly not contested, allowing him to return to duty. His record shows no criminal history in the Illinois State Police or federal databases, which may mitigate some concerns but fails to address the legality of his status. Public sentiment is not solely focused on Bojovic; scrutiny is expanding to police departments in areas perceived as “sanctuary jurisdictions.” A state in Maine is under fire for allowing an illegal immigrant from Jamaica to serve as a reserve officer, further fueling the debate.
This complex situation touches on multiple layers of law enforcement, immigration, and public safety. The Hanover Park police department’s commitment to defending their decision reflects a clash between differing views on immigration and policing. As the fallout continues, both the integrity of police employment practices and the implications of hiring non-citizens remain in sharp focus.
"*" indicates required fields
