Local organizations are demanding answers from the Chicago Police Department amid allegations that officers at the Ogden (10th) Police District headquarters had sexual relations with migrants.
For months, asylum seekers have been sleeping at police stations across the city. A protest was held Wednesday outside the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. Local activists demanded a further investigation into the officers accused of inappropriate conduct.
“We will hold these individuals to the extent of the law,” said Baltazar Enriquez of the Little Village Community Council. “They are not above the law, and we are making sure that these migrants/asylum seekers have a voice.”
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According to multiple reports, several officers are being investigated for allegedly having sexual relations with asylum seekers camping out in the 10th district. Those at the rally told WTTW News the claims came from migrants; one protester said a child is said to be involved.
A Venezuelan asylum seeker who spoke at the rally had a message to others in her position.
“Anything that is not consensual at the police stations or the shelters, speak up,” Mariser Fernandez said. “Call 311. The Little Village Community Council will help us.”
COPA has since released a statement saying the agency is investigating the details of these claims. However, activists in Little Village want more transparency from COPA and are asking for the officers’ names to be released to the public, among other demands.
“There is asylum seekers currently in their office (police stations) that are obviously not safe,” said Chela Garcia, a member of the Little Village Community Council. “What are they going to do to ensure to safeness of these people?”
As for the police department, an official said it’s still an ongoing investigation; there was no word on whether the accused officers have been reprimanded. If the allegations are true, protesters want to see the officers fired and charged.