Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested a police officer in Hanover Park, Illinois, on charges of immigration violations, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

DHS stated that Radule Bojovic, who is from Montenegro, was employed as an officer by the Hanover Park Police Department.

This incident adds to the shock following the arrest last month of Ian Roberts, superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools, Iowa's largest school district, for living in the country illegally and working without authorization, even after receiving an order of removal in 2024 during the Biden administration.

In a press release Thursday, DHS announced that Bojovic was apprehended during "targeted enforcement operations as part of 'Operation Midway Blitz,' which began last month in Illinois."

DHS reported that Bojovic entered the U.S. on a tourist visa and was required to depart by March 2015, but had overstayed his visa by more than 10 years. They also pointed out that illegal possession of firearms in the U.S. is a felony.

In a statement, Tricia McLaughlin, deputy assistant secretary for DHS, said, "Governor J.B. Pritzker not only allows violent illegal immigrants to terrorize our communities, but he allows illegal immigrants to serve as sworn police officers."

She added, "Radule Bojovic has violated our laws and has been living illegally in the United States for 10 years. Which police department gives a badge and a gun to an illegal immigrant criminal?"

The Village of Hanover Park stated that its police department hired Bojovic in January, "fully complying with federal and state laws," and that the village had "legally received authorization from the federal government for him to work in the United States."

The village said in a statement, "In conclusion, all information received from the federal government indicated that Officer Bojovic had the legal authority to work as a police officer in the United States, and the village would not have hired him otherwise."

The statement added, "Moreover, the village has never received notification from any federal or state government agency that his work authorization status has been revoked."

The village stated that Bojovic had been placed on administrative leave during the immigration process and would return to active duty status if he were authorized to remain in the United States.

According to online detainee records from ICE, Bojovic is currently in custody, but his location is not specified. It is also unclear when and where he was arrested.

Village records show Bojovic joined the Hanover Park Police Pension Fund in January, with a starting salary of approximately $79,000.

Social media posts from the Hanover Park Police Department indicate he graduated from the suburban Law Enforcement Academy in August.

Bojovic was scheduled to be sworn in at a Thursday evening meeting of the Hanover Park Village Board. Village President Rodney Craig commented on the officer's arrest early in the meeting, stating that the arrest was "something that is important to many people in our community" and came amid ongoing immigration enforcement in the area.

Craig expressed confidence that Bojovic's employment was proper, ABC News reported.

He stated, "First and foremost, the village and the police department conducted a thorough due diligence in this hiring process, as we do with all police officer hires."

Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen, commented on the arrest via social media, stating, "Radical sanctuary politicians have allowed illegal immigrants to infiltrate our school districts, communities, and even our police departments. President Trump and I will continue to prioritize the safety of Americans."

US NNP=Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com