Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley was made aware of the posts on Oct. 15, 2025, the city said.
The posts suggested the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection conduct enforcement actions at locations in Elgin and surrounding communities, Elgin officials said.
Officer Jason Lentz was placed on administrative leave Oct. 16, and the city immediately initiated an independent investigation, officials said.
Lalley determined that termination was the appropriate disciplinary action following a review of the investigative findings. The decision was approved by the city's corporation counsel and city manager.
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"Lentz's termination for misconduct is warranted and necessary to uphold standards the community expects and deserves. His actions do not reflect the standards of this agency. I ask the Elgin community to not judge our current and future officers based on the actions of one individual. The department remains committed to working with all members of the community to build lasting and meaningful relationships grounded in respect, understanding, accountability and trust. These values have not, and will not, change," Lalley said in a statement.
The City of Elgin Civilian Review Board also recommended termination. The CRB reviews allegations of police misconduct and provides disciplinary recommendations to the police chief.
"I wholly support Chief Lalley's decision to terminate Lentz as a police officer. I was among those in the city administration demanding Lentz's firing in 2014 for similar misconduct. While an arbitrator ultimately overturned the city's decision to fire Lentz and impose a six-month suspension instead, Elgin succeeded in establishing precedent for holding police officers accountable for inflammatory social media posts before such disciplinary action became the norm," City Manager Rick Kozal said in a statement.
Lentz applied for a disability pension on Oct. 16, 2025.
He had been working in a light-duty assignment following a 2023 on-duty injury, Elgin officials said.
The Elgin Police Pension Board approved his application on Feb. 24, 2026.
His disability pension is not affected by his termination, officials said.