In a shocking breach of border security, ICE agents have nabbed a suburban Chicago police officer accused of residing in the U.S. unlawfully for a decade.
On October 17, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrest of Radule Bojovic, a Hanover Park, Ill., police officer from Montenegro, as part of "Operation Midway Blitz," a targeted immigration enforcement surge, sparking heated debate over his hiring despite an expired visa and raising questions about local vetting processes, as ABC News reports.
Bojovic, employed as a sworn officer with the Hanover Park Police Department, was apprehended during a focused enforcement action under a broader Illinois operation that kicked off last month. DHS revealed he overstayed his tourist visa by 10 years, having been required to depart the U.S. by March 2015. His prolonged unauthorized presence has ignited serious concerns.
The DHS emphasized that carrying a firearm while in the U.S. without legal status constitutes a felony, amplifying the gravity of Bojovic’s role as an armed officer. "Governor J.B. Pritzker doesn't just allow violent illegal aliens to terrorize Illinois's communities, he allows illegal aliens to work as sworn police officers," said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Her sharp critique targets state-level policies on immigration enforcement.
From a conservative standpoint, isn’t this a glaring example of how progressive sanctuary policies undermine public safety by letting unauthorized individuals slip into positions of trust? While empathy exists for individual circumstances, MAGA supporters see this as proof that lax oversight risks community security. Strong borders aren’t just rhetoric—they’re necessity.
McLaughlin didn’t hold back on the hiring lapse. "Radule Bojovic violated our nation's laws and was living ILLEGALLY in the United States for 10 years -- what kind of police department gives criminal illegal aliens badges and guns?" said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Her words cut to the core of accountability failures.
The Village of Hanover Park countered that Bojovic’s hiring in January 2025 adhered to all federal and state legal standards. They confirmed he presented a valid work authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the time, supported by a thorough background check verifying his ability to carry a firearm on duty. No notice of revoked authorization has been received, per the village.
“The bottom line is that all information we received from the federal government indicated that Officer Bojovic is legally authorized to work in the United States as a police officer. Clearly, without that authorization, the Village would not have hired him," said a statement from the Village of Hanover Park. Their defense hinges on federal documentation.
For right-leaning observers, doesn’t this reveal a dangerous disconnect between federal systems and local action, even if the village followed protocol? While progressive narratives might blame systemic errors, conservatives aligned with MAGA argue this exposes why tighter immigration controls are non-negotiable. Trust in process shouldn’t trump verification.
Village President Rodney Craig addressed the arrest at a board meeting on the evening of October 17, 2025, originally set to include Bojovic’s swearing-in presentation, noting it as a significant community concern amid regional enforcement activities. “First and foremost, the village and the police department conducted its own thorough due diligence as part of this hiring process, as is the case with the hiring of all police officers," said Village President Rodney Craig. He expressed confidence in their procedures.
Yet, from a conservative angle, isn’t it unsettling that due diligence missed a 10-year visa overstay, raising questions about deeper flaws? While respecting local efforts, MAGA supporters might see this as a call for stricter federal-local coordination. Community trust demands airtight checks, not just good intentions.
Bojovic, now on administrative leave pending immigration proceedings, could return to duty if permitted to stay in the U.S., according to the village. He joined the Hanover Park Police Pension Fund in January 2025 with a starting salary near $79,000 and graduated from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy in August 2025, per department social media. Online ICE records confirm his current custody, though details on location remain undisclosed.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem weighed in on social media, decrying state policies that allow such situations to arise. Her stance aligns with a broader push for prioritizing American safety. The arrest underscores ongoing national debates over immigration enforcement.
For conservatives backing the MAGA cause, doesn’t this incident on October 17, 2025, spotlight the urgent need to dismantle sanctuary policies that risk public welfare? While acknowledging local compliance claims, the right sees this as evidence of why Trump’s hardline border stance is critical over progressive leniency. Safety isn’t a partisan issue—it’s fundamental.
Ultimately, Bojovic’s detention during "Operation Midway Blitz" in Illinois reveals a troubling gap in immigration oversight, even as Hanover Park defends its hiring of the officer. From a right-leaning perspective, this case fuels the call for robust federal enforcement to prevent unauthorized individuals from holding sensitive roles, ensuring communities aren’t left vulnerable. America First means vetting first, no exceptions.
