CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling defends department's actions at immigration protests
Nearly 30 officers 'affected by the chemical agents that were deployed by federal agents,' Snelling said
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The head of the Chicago police defended the department's involvement in weekend clashes between federal immigration agents and protesters.
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said at a news conference Monday that it's difficult to toe the line between state and local laws that bar police from assisting in federal immigration enforcement and their responsibility to protect the public.
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He said his officers briefly secured the scene Saturday after a woman claimed federal immigration agents shot her. He said later that day, a vehicle rammed one carrying federal agents, pushing it off the road, and that his officers helped protect federal agents from a large crowd.
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Snelling says at no time did Chief of Patrol Jon Hein tell officers not to respond.
"The chief of patrol would never tell someone to stand down when any law enforcement agency is in trouble or in need of help," Snelling said.
Getting emotional as he strongly defended Hein, Snelling called a press conference Monday to clear up reports that Hein barred officers from helping federal agents.
Snelling said his officers will always protect fellow law enforcement officers, even if they're federal immigration agents. He said that doesn't mean his officers are helping them with immigration enforcement, though.
"Those who will tell you that our officers weren't there, say that to the 27 officers who were affected by the chemical agents that were deployed by federal agents," Snelling said.
While Chicago police can communicate with federal agents about crowd control, the Illinois TRUST Act does not allow officers to collaborate with them for immigration enforcement.
But, Snelling says, when people need help, police will respond.
"When a crime is being committed, CPD is going to show up. And it doesn't matter if there are ICE agents there. We have a duty to investigate and protect our city," he said.
Snelling also wanted to remind people that federal agents are law enforcement officers: Following them or boxing them in could result in deadly force.
"You may not like what they're doing. I can understand that there's a lot of emotions out there, but that does not mean that you get to commit a crime," he said.
Snelling says his officers have been used as political pawns from people on both sides of the issue. He admits it's a tough balancing act for officers on the street.
"One thing about law enforcement, I'll tell you this right now: You're damned if you do, and you're damned if you don't. We accept that," he said.
But, Snelling admits there was likely some miscommunication between high-ranking CPD officials over Saturday's events.
Snelling says it is being internally investigated. He says, if CPD messed up, he will fess up.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
