Radule Bojovic, a 25-year-old citizen of Montenegro with a documented history as an illegal alien dating back over ten years according to immigration enforcement records, was recently arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, despite the federal illegality of his presence in the United States, he has been returned to duty at the Hanover Park Police Department.
The arrest occurred during Operation Midway Blitz targeting Chicago. ICE agents seized Bojovic on suspicion that his unauthorized immigration status violated U.S. firearms regulations which explicitly forbid illegal aliens from possessing guns unless they fall under specific exceptions related to law enforcement roles. The agency confirmed he possessed a firearm after being arrested, stating it was contrary to federal law.
The unusual situation stems from an apparent misunderstanding or disregard for the legal implications of Bojovic’s status by local authorities in Hanover Park, Illinois—a suburb near Chicago. Even with ICE involvement, Bojovic continued on duty until his arrest, and upon release under bond (a $2,500 bond arranged by a judge), he was rehired immediately.
Hanover Park officials claimed full compliance with federal law, citing an ATF memorandum that allegedly permits individuals like Bojovic to carry firearms due to their role as law enforcement officers. This justification appears flawed according to ICE and immigration legal experts who noted the specific conditions under which such exceptions might apply are tied to lawful permanent residents or green card holders—a status clearly not possessed by Bojovic.
This is reportedly the second instance within recent months of a local police department employing an individual without proper federal authorization for law enforcement work. The situation highlights the complexities and ambiguities surrounding immigration laws, particularly concerning individuals granted specific permits under certain circumstances but whose underlying legal status remains questionable according to federal agencies.
The case underscores the potential conflict between local hiring decisions and federal regulations governing firearm possession by immigrants. While Bojovic maintains a valid local police role under department policy due to his employment permit (likely incorrectly interpreted), ICE asserts he cannot legally own or carry weapons without proper immigration clearance.
The decision of Hanover Park leadership, regardless of their stated compliance with law, raises significant questions about the application and enforcement of U.S. immigration statutes in operational roles that interface heavily with public safety and weapon handling.
