ICE Arrests Police Officer Accused of Being Illegal Migrant

# A Puzzling Arrest in Hanover Park

In October 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made headlines by arresting a police officer in Hanover Park, Illinois, accusing him of being in the country illegally. ([ABC News][1]) The officer, named **Radule Bojovic**, originally from Montenegro, was alleged to have overstayed a tourist visa over ten years ago. ([ABC News][1])

What makes this case especially controversial is that the Hanover Park Police say they had already confirmed that Bojovic was legally allowed to work in the U.S. before hiring him. ([ABC7 Chicago][2]) They claim he presented a valid **Work Authorization Card** issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and that background checks — including FBI and state checks — raised no red flags. ([ABC7 Chicago][2])

# What ICE Claims: Visa Overstay & Firearm Rules

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security assert that Bojovic overstayed his B-2 visitor visa, which required his departure by March 31, 2015. ([ABC News][1]) According to federal law, someone who is unlawfully present is not allowed to carry or possess firearms. ([ice.gov][3]) ICE viewed his service as a sworn officer with a badge and gun as problematic under these rules. ([ABC News][1])

Because of these claims, Bojovic is now in **immigration detention**, and his police employment has been suspended as his case proceeds. ([ABC7 Chicago][2])

# The Police Department’s Defense

The Hanover Park Police and village officials strongly defend their hiring process. They say that:

* Before hiring Bojovic in January 2025, they verified his work authorization under federal law. ([Daily Herald][4])

* He passed all standard background checks, including those by state police and the FBI. ([Daily Herald][4])

* They had no notice from federal or state agencies that his authorization had been revoked. ([ABC7 Chicago][2])

* His immigration status — at least as they understood it — allowed him to carry a firearm while on duty. ([Daily Herald][4])

They say if Bojovic wins his case, he could return to duty. ([Daily Herald][4])

# Legal and Ethical Questions Raised

This case raises many serious questions:

1. **Were screening processes enough?**

The police department says they followed all legal steps. But ICE argues that despite those checks, someone may have been hired without a lawful long-term status.

2. **How did conflicting documents exist?**

If Bojovic had a valid work authorization card, why does ICE claim he’s overstayed a visa? Which agency was mistaken — or was there a change in status unknown to the department?

3. **Fairness in enforcement:**

Should an officer’s livelihood be at risk if paperwork is disputed? Some argue that law enforcement roles demand extra scrutiny, while others warn against punishing someone before full adjudication.

4. **Transparency and public trust:**

Community members and local officials will demand clarity. When a police officer — someone entrusted to enforce the law — is accused of breaking immigration law, public confidence is affected.

# The Bigger Picture: Immigration Enforcement & Local Policing

This is not an isolated case. Across the U.S., ongoing immigration crackdowns lead to debates about **local policing vs. federal authority**. When federal agencies like ICE step into local systems like police departments, conflicts often emerge over who has the power — and when.

Further, many cities and states have “sanctuary” or protective policies that limit cooperation with ICE to preserve trust with immigrant communities. Critics of those policies view cases like Bojovic’s as evidence that they allow gaps in enforcement. Supporters say they protect residents from overreach.

In Illinois and nearby regions, “Operation Midway Blitz” is one such enforcement campaign targeting individuals believed to be in the country illegally. Bojovic’s arrest is tied to this broader effort. ([ice.gov][3])

# What to Watch Going Forward

**Immigration hearings and his legal defense.** Will Bojovic be able to prove a valid status or challenge ICE’s claims?

**Decisions from local or federal courts.** The outcome may set precedent on hiring standards for law enforcement in sensitive roles.

**Community reaction & policy changes.** Local governments may demand clearer guidelines or stricter accountability in hiring non-citizens.

**Federal and state policy alignment.** Conflicts between ICE’s interpretation and local law may push for reforms in how immigration status is verified in public sector jobs.

# Final Thoughts

The arrest of a police officer by ICE for alleged visa overstay is dramatic and deeply complex. On one hand, the rule of law demands that immigration laws be respected and enforced. On the other hand, the systems of verification, paperwork, and oversight sometimes fail or conflict.

Radule Bojovic’s case will be closely watched — not just for him, but for how we balance fairness, security, and trust in institutions.