
An illegal immigrant managed to serve as a sworn police officer in sanctuary Illinois for nearly a decade, exposing alarming failures in vetting and oversight that threaten public safety and the rule of law.
Story Snapshot
- ICE arrested Radule Bojovic, a Hanover Park police officer, after discovering he had overstayed his visa by 10 years.
- Bojovic served as an armed officer despite laws prohibiting undocumented immigrants from possessing firearms or holding law enforcement roles.
- The case highlights breakdowns in background checks and sanctuary policies that limit federal-local cooperation.
- This incident fuels debate over sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration enforcement under Trump’s renewed agenda.
Sanctuary Policies Enable Illegal Immigrant to Become Police Officer
Radule Bojovic, a native of Montenegro, entered the United States legally on a tourist visa that expired in 2015. Despite remaining in the country illegally for a decade, he was hired by the Hanover Park Police Department, completed academy training in August 2025, and began active duty as a sworn officer. Federal law bars undocumented immigrants from possessing firearms or serving in law enforcement, yet Bojovic passed background checks by the FBI and Illinois State Police due to sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. His arrest by ICE on October 16, 2025, as part of Operation Midway Blitz, has shocked Illinois residents and highlighted the real-world risks of prioritizing ideology over enforcement.
Bojovic’s case is not isolated. In July 2025, a similar incident occurred in Maine, where another illegal immigrant served as a police officer in a sanctuary jurisdiction. In both cases, the individuals entered legally but overstayed visas, raising serious questions about the integrity of law enforcement vetting in states where local policies deliberately block federal agencies from accessing critical information. These failures undermine public trust and create dangerous loopholes that put communities at risk.
BADGE AND BETRAYAL: ICE arrested Illinois officer Radule Bojovic, a Montenegrin national who overstayed his visa by a decade and was serving with the Hanover Park Police Department despite living in the U.S. illegally, according to DHS. pic.twitter.com/hIDVd46WQz
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 16, 2025
Federal Crackdown and Local Pushback Intensify
The Trump administration has made aggressive immigration enforcement a top priority in 2025, launching initiatives like Operation Midway Blitz to identify and remove illegal immigrants—especially those in sensitive government positions. The Department of Homeland Security condemned Bojovic’s hiring, calling him “a law enforcement officer who is actively breaking the law.” However, Hanover Park officials and Mayor Rodney Craig have defended their practices, claiming Bojovic had federal work authorization at the time of hiring and passed all required checks. This has exposed gaps in federal-state data sharing and intensified the standoff between ICE and sanctuary jurisdictions.
Bojovic is currently in ICE custody, with his location undisclosed while immigration proceedings are underway. Hanover Park officials have stated that if Bojovic regains legal status, he could be reinstated, further inflaming tensions. ICE has not confirmed whether formal removal proceedings have begun, and Bojovic’s attorney has made no public comment. This uncertainty only adds to public frustration and distrust in the system.
Impact on Law Enforcement and Public Safety
These revelations have sparked immediate calls for stricter background check procedures and an end to sanctuary policies that obstruct federal immigration enforcement. Law enforcement agencies nationwide are now under pressure to review hiring and vetting protocols, as the public questions how an illegal immigrant could be armed and entrusted with upholding the law. The fallout extends beyond Illinois, as federal authorities warn that sanctuary policies create safe havens not just for law-abiding immigrants but also for those willing to exploit the system and undermine public safety.
Political fallout has been swift, with state and local officials facing criticism for supporting sanctuary measures at the expense of security and legal accountability. The Trump administration’s response underscores a broader commitment to protecting constitutional order and restoring the rule of law, signaling that federal agencies will not hesitate to intervene when local jurisdictions fail to safeguard their own communities.
Sources:
ICE arrests suburban Chicago police officer accused of being in the country illegally
ICE arrests Ill. officer accused of living in the U.S. illegally for 10 years
Two illegal immigrant police officers busted in just 3 months have one thing in common
Who is Radule Bojovic? ICE arrests Montenegro national and criminal illegal alien serving as police officer in Hanover Park, Illinois
Strange Case: Illegal Alien Cop



























