LEIGHTON CRIMINAL COURTS BUILDING (WBBM Newsradio) -- A Cook County judge had some pointed questions for representatives of the State's Attorney's office, as she considers whether a special prosecutor should handle potential criminal cases tied to "Operation Midway Blitz."
Advocacy groups and dozens of elected leaders have called for a special prosecutor in response to concerns that State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke has not done enough to hold accountable federal agents for potential violations tied to the Trump Administration's stepped-up immigration enforcement in the Chicago area, including the fatal shooting in Franklin Park of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, and the shooting of Marimar Martinez in the Brighton Park neighborhood.
O'Neill Burke has called the request "frivolous," but it's clear Judge Erica Reddick is taking the issue seriously. During a Monday morning hearing here at the courthouse, 2600 S. California Ave., she focused questions on O'Neill Burke's declaration that her office would review cases specifically tied to use of force, but mentioned no other possible offenses. Why not, she asked, conspiracy or perjury?
Assistant State's Attorney Yvette Loizon responded that the office was trying to provide clear direction to law enforcement agencies, while being mindful of the resources of the office. She also said that there was nothing in the office's protocol to prevent pursuing charges on offenses outside the use of force. After the hearing, Loizon insisted the State's Attorney's office was ready to pursue any relevant cases tied to immigration enforcement, following its protocol established back in February. "This protocol establishes clear legally sound guidelines to ensure we have a responsible and effective path to pursue accountability," Loizon said. "If a federal law enforcement agent commits a crime, my office will not hesitate to act."But some of the people calling for a special prosecutor, including Cook County commissioner Jessica Vasquez, offered up new criticism of what they characterized as the lack of action by county prosecutors: "Our State's Attorney has done nothing to help our communities."
West suburban state House Democrat Norma Hernandez added that there was no reason for O'Neill Burke not to file charges, given that authorities in Minnesota have already filed charges over fatal shootings by ICE agents there: "Our community should not have to organize this hard simply for our voices to be heard."
Judge Reddick said she's reviewing new filings by both sides, and is now expected to rule May 21.
Prosecutor faces questions; ruling now expected May 21
Prosecutor faces questions; ruling now expected May 21
