How did an undocumented immigrant become a police officer in Illinois? Homeland security reveals stunning arrest

In a shocking revelation that has sparked widespread outrage, federal immigration agents have arrested a Hanover Park police officer accused of living illegally in the United States for a decade. The officer, identified as Radule Bojovic, is a native of Montenegro who, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), overstayed his tourist visa long before joining law enforcement.

Bojovic, who had been serving as an officer in the Hanover Park Police Department, was apprehended during what DHS described as a “targeted enforcement operation.” Officials say his visa expired in March 2015, but he remained in the country unlawfully for ten years before being discovered.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed deep concern over the situation, questioning how a local police department could employ someone living illegally in the U.S. “Radule Bojovic violated our nation’s immigration laws and was living in the country unlawfully for years. What kind of police department gives badges and guns to criminal illegal aliens?” McLaughlin asked in a strongly worded statement.

The Hanover Park Police Department had previously celebrated Bojovic’s success. In August, the department posted a congratulatory message on Facebook recognizing his completion of the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy’s 15-week training program, calling him a dedicated officer preparing to serve the local community.

However, this celebratory post has now drawn criticism and embarrassment for the department, which has not yet issued a public response to the revelation. Requests for comment from both the department and the village of Hanover Park went unanswered as of press time.

According to DHS, Bojovic’s arrest is part of Operation Midway Blitz, a recent federal immigration initiative launched in the Chicago area under President Donald Trump’s administration. The campaign, which began last month, has led to over 1,500 arrests across Illinois. Federal officials claim the operation focuses on removing individuals with criminal records, though critics argue that the lack of transparency makes it difficult to verify who is being targeted.

In Bojovic’s case, officials have not reported any previous criminal record apart from his immigration violation. The situation raises troubling questions about background checks and recruitment procedures within local police departments.

The controversy has also reignited debate over Illinois’ sanctuary policies and the state’s strained relationship with federal immigration enforcement. DHS officials have accused Governor J.B. Pritzker’s administration of creating conditions that allow undocumented individuals to remain undetected. McLaughlin further accused state leaders of enabling lawlessness, saying, “It’s a felony for an undocumented person to possess a firearm — and yet one was serving as a law enforcement officer.”

Governor Pritzker’s office has not responded to the allegations, though the governor has been a vocal critic of federal immigration crackdowns in the past, describing them as politically motivated and harmful to immigrant communities.

The case of Officer Bojovic highlights a broader national debate about immigration, security, and accountability. While some view his arrest as a victory for immigration enforcement, others see it as an indictment of systemic failures in both law enforcement recruitment and immigration oversight.

As investigations continue, the Hanover Park Police Department faces mounting pressure to explain how an undocumented immigrant managed to not only join their ranks but also graduate from an official police training academy.

FAQ:

Who is Radule Bojovic?
Radule Bojovic is a native of Montenegro who served as a police officer in Hanover Park, Illinois, despite allegedly living in the U.S. illegally for a decade.

Why was he arrested?
He was arrested by Homeland Security agents for overstaying his tourist visa, which expired in 2015.

What is Operation Midway Blitz?
It is a federal immigration enforcement campaign launched under President Donald Trump to target undocumented immigrants in Illinois.

Did Bojovic have a criminal record?
Authorities have not indicated that he had any criminal record beyond immigration violations.

What happens next?
Bojovic’s case will proceed through immigration court, and he could face deportation if found in violation of immigration law.