Public hearing held on interactions between Chicago police officers, immigration agents

CHICAGO (WLS) -- People had a chance to speak at a public hearing about interactions between Chicago police officers and federal immigration agents Thursday/

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability hosted the meeting in-person at Thalia Hall on the corner of 18th and Allport in Pilsen, and virtually.

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At the hearing, there was anger directed at the federal government and Chicago police, but also the civilian commission hosting the meeting, with speakers accusing the panel of not holding CPD accountable.

The Community Commission For Public Safety and Accountability heard from the public some with heated words about CPD's presence at ICE operations.

Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance prohibits CPD from taking part in immigration enforcement actions, but speakers questioned CPD's role in keeping protesters away from federal agents, including at a South Loop facility in June and in Brighton Park in October, after an ICE-involved shooting of a woman.

"That's why we need you to work with us to hold the Chicago Police Department Superintendent accountable," Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez said.

CPD radio communications in December appeared to capture an officer talking about a traffic stop of someone allegedly following agents.

That same day, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino thanked CPD and Evanston police for their help during operations.

"I myself have seen CPD officers hugging ICE and Border Patrol," said Kayla Nguyen with the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

CPD says all requests for help from an immigration agency are handled by a supervisor, adding CPD "will not assist or intervene in civil immigration enforcement... If the request is unrelated to civil immigration law... appropriate police action will be taken."

"This commission has not determined, investigated, or voted upon any position on these issues," CCPSA Commissioner Sandra Wortham said.

The commission is planning to continue the discussion at another hearing next month and is working on securing a panel that includes CPD representatives.