Statement of United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations

CHICAGO - Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and federal law enforcement leadership in Chicago today issued the following statements regarding ongoing criminal immigration enforcement actions in Chicago:

"As U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, my office will enforce all federal criminal laws and protect our federal employees and property. Assistant U.S. Attorneys will staff the FBI-led command post on a daily basis to monitor real-time developments and take swift action as needed when criminal offenders assault, obstruct, or impede law enforcement personnel or destroy federal property. During this surge, we have filed federal charges against more than 12 individuals and continue to review cases for additional criminal charges. The people of Chicago deserve safe streets and peaceful neighborhoods, and we will deliver justice on their behalf."

-Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois

Federal law enforcement leaders in Chicago echoed U.S. Attorney Boutros's statement:

"We speak with one voice when we say that we expect any protest or assembly in Chicago to remain peaceful. There is no place for violence against law enforcement officers, obstruction of justice, or destruction of federal property. Any criminal actions taken against the brave men and women in uniform will be met with swift criminal prosecution. Our agencies will continue to work closely with each other to execute federal law fully and completely."

-Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI

-Matthew J. Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago

-Russell Hott, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations in Chicago

-LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Director of the Chicago Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection

-Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives

-Shane Catone, Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA Chicago Field Division

-LaDon A. Reynolds, United States Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois

U.S. Attorney Boutros also remarked:

"As I have emphasized repeatedly (see here, here, and here), we are a law and order district. We vigorously prosecute crimes in all program areas. We will not hesitate to hold accountable those who attack and undermine the rule of law, including by resorting to violence and criminal mischief to interfere, obstruct, or impede the important work of the federal government as it is conducted in the Northern District of Illinois. The entire federal law enforcement partnership in Chicago also thanks Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall, all of the other judges in the Northern District of Illinois, and Clerk of Court Thomas G. Bruton for their leadership and hard work in ensuring that Chicago's federal courtrooms remain open to handle the increased volume of criminal cases being presented before the Court for adjudication."

-Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois