Potential terrorism prevention: Chicago Police Department among agencies on high alert amid US involvement in Israel-Iran war
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the global community monitors whether the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel will remain in effect, former federal, local law enforcement, and private security specialists report that police forces are maintaining high alert status, with constant threat assessments being conducted around the clock.

In Chicago on any given day, busy trains, packed buses and city sidewalks are all under constant surveillance.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

And as Americans rally en masse against action in the Middle East, its homeland protection that has police on edge.

“The existence of a ceasefire does not eliminate the risk of attacks on easy targets across the United States. Both law enforcement and the general public should stay extremely cautious in the coming days and weeks,” emphasized Derek Mayer, ABC7 Law Enforcement Expert and former top official with the U.S. Secret Service’s Chicago Field Office.

Police are identifying large outdoor gatherings in Chicago, such as concerts, street festivals, and the forthcoming Pride Parade, as potential major targets.

ABC7’s Police Affairs Consultant Bill Kushner, a former lieutenant with CPD said, “You can’t go into parts of millennial park without going through metal detectors, without being searched, that doesn’t stop vehicle borne devices or a large vehicle ramming through a crowd of people.”

Chicago police told the I-Team in part on Monday, “While there is no actionable intelligence in Chicago at this time, we are closely communicating with our federal and state partners.”

That includes the Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center or STIC, where the I-Team has had rare access to see the 24/7 threat assessment center in action.

“So, there are fusion centers or intelligence centers in every major Police Department in every state, and there’s a great intelligence sharing network that goes on,” explained Kushner.

Mayer also stressed that there is monitoring on levels the public may be unaware of.

“Law enforcement and their intelligence divisions are monitoring social media. They’re monitoring email chatter. They’re trying to find out if there are any bad actors out there.”

ABC News has learned the FBI is now re-allocating potentially thousands of agents away from immigration enforcement work to focus on these kinds of cyberthreats.

Just last week cell phone video captured FBI agents assisting with an immigration operation in Elgin.

Now, agents will try and zero in on the sector that plagues law enforcement around the clock

“I think the biggest concern for myself and for every law enforcement professional in the country are lone wolf terrorists. There’s no doubt there’s sleeper cells within the United States. We’d like to think that the feds have a pretty good handle on where most of them are. It may not be actionable intelligence, but they have a pretty good idea where everybody’s at it’s the lone wolf terrorist, the individual who’s radicalized and he has decided to take action and his radical beliefs, those are the ones that are underneath everybody’s radar,” said Kushner.

The Department of Homeland Security released a bulletin over the weekend warning of foreign terror organizations calling for violence against US assets and people in the Middle East.

But law enforcement said that it could be entirely separate from individuals inspired to commit politically motivated violence on a much smaller scale like many of the attacks we’ve seen recently.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump's Warning Shot: No More Mr. Nice Guy After Dem Runs Back to His Party Despite ‘Life Saving’ Pardon

Trump’s Fiery Rebuttal: Unleashing Fury on Democrat’s Return After ‘Life-Saving’ Pardon

On Sunday, President Trump expressed his frustration on Truth Social, feeling profoundly…
Police wait six days for suspected thief to naturally pass stolen $19K Fabergé pendant

Suspected Jewel Thief Holds $19K Fabergé Pendant Inside for Six Days, Police Await Outcome

New Zealand police have successfully recovered a valuable diamond-studded Fabergé pendant following…
Chipotle and BÉIS launch burrito themed travel collection

Chipotle and BÉIS Unveil Exclusive Burrito-Themed Travel Collection: A Must-Have for Foodie Travelers

Launching on December 8th, a new 11-piece line co-designed by actress Shay…
Pretrial hearing for Luigi Mangione to resume Monday after court releases new evidence in CEO murder case

Pretrial Hearing for Luigi Mangione Set to Continue Today as Court Unveils New Evidence in CEO Murder Case

NEW YORK — Luigi Mangione, the man charged with the murder of…
Our Chicago: Indiana redistricting map supported by Donald Trump being considered by state Senate ahead of 2026 midterms

Indiana’s Controversial Redistricting Map Backed by Trump Faces Crucial Senate Review Ahead of 2026 Midterms

In Indiana, an intense debate is unfolding over the redrawing of congressional…
'KPop Demon Hunters' thrills at the box office for limited run

Vans Launches Exclusive ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Collaboration in Retail and Online Stores

The worlds of Vans and “KPop Demon Hunters” collide in a vibrant…
Oklahoma trooper helps deliver newborn on highway shoulder: 'The baby is coming!'

Oklahoma State Trooper Assists in Highway Shoulder Birth: ‘A Baby on the Way!

A routine patrol for one police officer took an extraordinary turn when…
Trump says Netflix deal to buy Warner Bros. 'could be a problem' because of size of market share

Trump Raises Concerns Over Netflix’s Potential Warner Bros. Acquisition Due to Market Dominance

On Sunday, President Donald Trump expressed concerns over Netflix’s acquisition of Warner…
Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony marks 84 years since attack

Commemorating 84 Years: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony Honors Heroes of History

The remembrance ceremony for Pearl Harbor commenced on Sunday in Hawaii with…
Toddler fatally struck by pickup truck driver in Long Island driveway

Tragic Accident: Toddler Struck by Pickup Truck in Long Island Driveway

Tragedy struck on Long Island as a toddler was fatally hit by…
Expert reveals 'likely' reason behind Chernobyl’s mysterious blue dogs after viral photos

Unveiling the Mystery: Expert Explains Why Chernobyl’s Blue Dogs Captivate the World

In a curious turn of events, dogs with striking blue fur have…
Overnight fire at India nightclub leaves 25 dead

Tragic Nightclub Fire in India Claims 25 Lives

A devastating fire swept through a nightclub in the coastal town of…