The Illinois Freedom Caucus has expressed opposition to a state law permitting certain noncitizens to serve as police officers. This announcement follows the reinstatement of a Hanover Park officer, who is on immigration bond, and includes a call for intervention from former President Trump.
Illinois’ debate over noncitizen police officers originates from House Bill 3751, signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2023. The legislation allows specific non-U.S. citizens with legal work authorization to apply for positions as police officers or deputy sheriffs. It mandates federal work authorization, completion of standard law enforcement training, and the ability to obtain a firearm owner’s identification card but does not require U.S. citizenship. Proponents argue that the law aids in filling vacancies and enhancing community representation within departments. However, critics like the Illinois Freedom Caucus contend that arming noncitizens with police powers raises concerns about allegiance, particularly in a state resistant to federal immigration enforcement.
According to the caucus, the controversy centers on Radule Bojovic, a Hanover Park officer and Montenegrin national arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in October 2025 during “Operation Midway Blitz” for allegedly overstaying his B-2 tourist visa. Federal officials deem him removable; however, village leaders assert he had valid federal work authorization and passed FBI and Illinois State Police background checks when hired. Following approximately two weeks in detention, an immigration judge granted him a $2,500 bond. The department subsequently restored him to full-duty status with back pay while his case proceeds—a decision criticized by conservatives as illustrating lenient immigration and employment rules conflicting with public safety expectations.
Bojovic’s situation unfolded amid Operation Midway Blitz, a Department of Homeland Security initiative under Trump’s administration targeting “criminal illegal aliens” protected by sanctuary policies. DHS reports over 800 arrests during this operation and highlights suspects linked to gangs and serious offenses to justify its tactics and promote cooperation with local law enforcement. However, Chicago-area media and advocacy groups report that only a small fraction of those detained have violent crime convictions, prompting legal challenges and debates over civil liberties.
The Illinois Freedom Caucus comprises Republican state lawmakers inspired by the U.S. House Freedom Caucus and associated with the national State Freedom Caucus Network. Established in 2022 by downstate conservatives, it unites some of the most vocal limited-government advocates in the Illinois General Assembly, including Representative Chris Miller and allies of Representative Mary Miller in Congress. The caucus supports stricter immigration enforcement, reduced state spending, cultural conservatism, stronger legislative oversight of the Democratic majority and Governor Pritzker’s administration through lawsuits, impeachment resolutions, and public campaigns aimed at steering Illinois policy toward conservative values.
