Former Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Criticizes Mayor Johnson’s Federal Directive as Political Theater

This past weekend, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson took a significant step by signing an executive order aimed at making federal agents accountable for any criminal misconduct.

However, there are growing concerns about the feasibility of implementing such an order effectively.

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On Monday, a former chief of detectives from the Chicago Police Department shared insights on Mayor Johnson’s directive, which calls for police investigations into allegations of misconduct by immigration agents.

Last fall, during “Operation Midway Blitz,” a moment was captured on camera showing a handshake between Border Patrol’s Greg Bovino and a Chicago police sergeant.

Though Chicago’s Sanctuary City status prohibits local police from aiding federal immigration enforcement, interactions between federal agents and local officers have remained relatively amicable. Despite this, some encounters have involved controversial tactics, including the use of pepper spray against officers.

Eugene Roy, the former CPD chief of detectives, commented, “We need to collaborate with the federal government. Being at odds with them benefits no one.”

Roy strongly disagrees with tactics used by Bovino and his border patrol agents, but does not believe officers should investigate federal agents during ongoing federal immigration operations.

“The Chicago Police Department should not be put in a position where they are investigating federal agents who are investigating federal crimes, which is clearly a federal jurisdiction. It serves no useful purpose,” Roy said.

Roy calls Mayor Brandon’s Johnson’s executive order directing police to investigate federal agents for possible misconduct nothing more than political theater. Johnson says the agents must be held accountable.

“It will give a directive from my office to ensure that we are collecting evidence, we’re providing medical care on scene, but also making sure the evidence is turned over for prosecution,” Johnson said.

The mayor’s decree, called the “ICE on Notice,” order says any felony charges against agents recommended by police must go through his office.

In a written statement released Monday, the Cook County State’s Attorney Office said in part, “Because this order changes the process for how felony charges are evaluated, a thorough analysis is being conducted to assess its legality.”

In all felony cases, it is the state’s attorney’s office that evaluates the evidence and makes the charging decision.

And legal experts say local police already have the ability to collect evidence.

“An executive order is not necessary to authorize local police officials to investigate state crimes, even if those crimes are committed by federal agents,” ABC7 Chicago legal analyst Gil Soffer said.

While the mayor warns of a possible immigration enforcement surge in the spring, he says his executive order also applies to past cases during “Operation Midway Blitz” last fall.