There are new questions about Chicago police response to the Trump Administration's stepped-up immigration enforcement ... after a North side homeowner says ICE agents illegally invaded his property.
Leo Feler says agents sped the wrong way down a one-way street, jumped his locked fence gate and chased down construction workers who had been hired to install windows at his three-flat in the Southport Corridor on October 24.
"One worker was ultimately detained. That detention happened in my garage, which means it happened on my property, in my home, without a warrant," he said during an event hosted by North side Congressman Mike Quigley at the Cook County Building in the Loop.
And Feler says he was left to clean up the aftermath: "This was a violent raid. I spent most of last weekend cleaning up blood. What occurred at my home on my property is a crime."
But Feler says Chicago police officers at the 19th District refused to take a report ... and while he eventually did file a report with the detective bureau, he says he was told it would not be pursued.
"I have a lot of respect and admiration for our Chicago Police Department," Feler said, "but I am concerned that our own Chicago police are afraid to help us. Who do we turn to to protect us from violations of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution?"
The Chicago Police Department is operating under the city's "welcoming" policies which prohibit cooperation with federal immigration authorities except under certain circumstances.
Feler lives in the ward of Wrigleyville alderman Bennett Lawson, who says he's working to figure out why Feler was turned away.
"They're in a tough spot and ... they have to keep everyone safe," said Lawson (44th Ward) of police officers, "but a better understanding of what their role should be would be helpful."
And Rep. Quigley said people should be able to file reports if ICE agents are seen committing violating the law.
ad "A crime is a crime, no matter who commits the crime," says Rep. Quigley (D-5th District).
We've asked the Chicago Police Department for a response.