ICE arrests Hanover Park officer for overstaying tourist visa
(WGN)
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A Hanover Park police officer has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying a B2 tourist visa.
Radule Bojovic, a native of Montenegro, was supposed to leave the United States in 2015, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He was taken into custody during a “targeted enforcement action” as part of “Operation Midway Blitz.”
DHS confirmed that Bojovic identified himself with his Hanover Park Police Department ID. He told authorities he was unarmed at the time of the arrest, explaining that he is only permitted to carry a firearm while on duty.
“Illegal aliens are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms — full stop,” said ICE Chicago Field Office Director Sam Olson. “This is the second known instance in recent months of a local police department hiring an illegal alien and unlawfully issuing him a firearm while on duty in violation of federal law. It is alarming how local jurisdictions continue to disregard federal law to the detriment of their communities.”
The Village of Hanover Park stated that all proper hiring procedures were followed and that federal authorities had approved Bojovic’s employment at the start of 2025. State records show Bojovic joined the department in January 2025 and was certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board in August.
Border Czar Tom Homan commented in August 2025 on the broader trend of arrests of non-criminal immigrants: “I’ve already seen the stories about non-criminals being arrested at a higher rate… when we find the bad guy in the community, they’re probably with others who aren’t a criminal priority, but they’re going to get arrested too.”
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin called the arrest “an example of a violation of our nation’s laws,” stating that “it’s a felony for aliens to possess a firearm. A so-called law enforcement officer who is actively breaking the law undermines public trust.”
Bojovic graduated from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy in August 2025, according to a police department Facebook post. The department said he has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of his immigration proceedings.
In a statement, the Village of Hanover Park said:
“The Hanover Park Police Department hired Officer Bojovic in January 2025 in full compliance with federal and state law. Before hiring him, the Village confirmed he was legally authorized to work in the United States. Officer Bojovic presented a valid Work Authorization Card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and a full background check, including state and FBI records, was conducted.
The Village has not received any notice from federal or state agencies that his work authorization has ever been revoked. Based on guidance from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, his immigration status allows him to carry a firearm while on duty. Officer Bojovic will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the immigration proceedings, and if he retains legal authorization to work, he will return to full duty.”
ICE detainee records indicate that Bojovic is currently in custody in Indiana.
Bojovic was scheduled to be recognized for completing extra training during Thursday night’s Hanover Park board meeting. Instead, Mayor Rodney Craig read a statement addressing the arrest.
“We are offended that our police department has to endure this. We performed all necessary diligence and followed the law throughout the hiring process. At no time did we receive notice that his work authorization would be revoked, and the Department of Justice confirmed he was authorized to carry a firearm while on duty,” Craig said.
Under Illinois law, non-U.S. citizens who are legally authorized to work in the country may apply to be police officers, subject to all standard requirements, background checks, and limitations applicable to other applicants.
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