One sentence summary – The Chicago Police Department is being investigated for allegations of sexual misconduct involving asylum seekers, with concerns raised about the treatment of these individuals who have been forced to sleep in police precincts and face challenges such as insufficient food and cold conditions.
At a glance
- The Chicago Police Department is under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct involving recently arrived asylum seekers.
- There are indications that multiple officers may have engaged in similar misconduct.
- Chicago has seen a significant influx of asylum seekers since August 2022, with over 14,000 individuals seeking asylum in the city.
- Currently, over 7,000 asylum seekers are residing in citywide shelters, while nearly 2,000 are being housed in police precincts.
- Illinois Democratic Congressman Jesús “Chuy” Garcia has called for accountability for those found guilty in this matter.
The details
The Chicago Police Department is currently under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct involving recently arrived asylum seekers.
The investigation was initiated after a report was made regarding sexual contact between a police officer and an underage female migrant.
There are indications that other officers may have engaged in similar misconduct.
Chicago’s Influx of Asylum Seekers
Chicago has seen a significant influx of asylum seekers since August 2022, with approximately 14,000 individuals seeking asylum in the city.
Currently, over 7,000 asylum seekers are residing in citywide shelters, while nearly 2,000 are being housed in police precincts.
Additionally, some asylum seekers have resorted to sleeping rough at Chicago’s airports due to a lack of available accommodations.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into these allegations began in July and is still ongoing.
It was prompted by claims made by a city employee working at a police precinct.
The civilian office of police accountability (Copa) has not yet identified any asylum seekers who have come forward as victims of sexual misconduct by police officers.
Call for Accountability
Illinois Democratic Congressman Jesús “Chuy” Garcia has called for accountability for those found guilty in this matter.
The seriousness of the allegations has led to concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers, who have been forced to sleep on the cold floors of police precincts.
In response to the increase in arriving migrants, Chicago’s newly elected mayor, Brandon Johnson, has taken steps to address the situation.
He has signed a contract with a private security firm, GardaWorld Federal Services, to install heated tents for asylum seekers.
However, it’s worth noting that GardaWorld Federal Services has been involved in controversial migrant detention and relocation programs in other states.
Asylum seekers have expressed concerns about the cold conditions and lack of proper nutrition they have faced while in Chicago.
To assist with the situation, various city departments and partner organizations have been involved in providing support to the asylum seekers.
Diana Alpizar, the director of career pathways at the Instituto del Progreso Latino, has been coordinating volunteer efforts at a police station.
Due to cleaning and disinfection procedures, asylum seekers are required to stay outside the precincts after 10 am.
This has led to challenges for those residing in Precinct 12, where 10 to 15 families are currently housed with limited bathroom facilities.
Additionally, asylum seekers have reported problems at shelters, including insufficient food and instances of moldy food.
It is important to note that some asylum seekers have been granted temporary legal status and are eligible to work.
However, those who do not qualify for asylum may face deportation or live undocumented lives.
The situation involving the Chicago Police Department’s alleged sexual misconduct with asylum seekers remains under investigation, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
In the meantime, volunteers and community organizations continue to offer assistance to those in need.
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| theguardian.com |
|---|
| – The Chicago police department is being investigated for allegations of sexual misconduct with recently arrived asylum seekers. |
| – One case involves an officer who allegedly impregnated an 18-year-old. – |
| The investigation began after a report of sexual contact between a police officer and an underage female migrant, with indications that other officers may have engaged in similar misconduct. – Chicago has received 14,000 asylum seekers since August 2022, with over 7,000 currently in citywide shelters and nearly 2,000 living in police precincts. – Some asylum seekers are also sleeping rough at Chicago’s airports. – Investigations into the allegations are ongoing and began in July. – |
| The investigation was prompted by claims from a city employee working at a police precinct. – |
| The civilian office of police accountability (Copa) has not identified any asylum seekers claiming to be victims of sexual misconduct by police officers. – |
| The Illinois Democratic congressman Jesús “Chuy” Garcia has called for accountability for those found guilty. |
| – Asylum seekers have been forced to sleep on the cold floors of police precincts. – |
| The new mayor, Brandon Johnson, has signed a contract with a private security firm to install heated tents for asylum seekers. – |
| The private security firm, GardaWorld Federal Services, has been involved in controversial migrant detention and relocation programs in other states. |
| – Asylum seekers have expressed concerns about the cold and lack of proper nutrition. |
| – Chicago’s response to the increase in arriving migrants involves various city departments and partner organizations. – Diana Alpizar, director of career pathways at the Instituto del Progreso Latino, has been coordinating volunteer efforts at a police station. |
| – Asylum seekers are required to stay outside the precinct after 10 am while the inside is cleaned and disinfected. |
| – Precinct 12 is currently housing 10 to 15 families with limited bathroom facilities. |
| – Asylum seekers have reported problems at shelters, including insufficient food and moldy food. – Some asylum seekers have been granted temporary legal status and are eligible to work. |
| – Asylum seekers who do not qualify for asylum may face deportation or live undocumented lives. – Some asylum seekers have received assistance from volunteers and community organizations. |
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