Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling issued a stern warning to criminals after federal agents were targeted during weekend confrontations. Snelling denied that city officers were ordered to stand down and made clear that ramming any vehicle containing law enforcement could be met with lethal force.
He stressed that intentionally striking law enforcement is considered use of deadly force, and officers are justified in their response to such actions. The statement comes after reports that Chicago police did not assist ICE agents who were boxed in by a crowd and attacked with vehicles.
Snelling also refuted claims that his department instructed officers to ignore calls for help, asserting that CPD responded to maintain public safety and traffic control in line with city guidelines.
The declaration underscores escalating tensions in Chicago as federal and local law enforcement navigate clashes linked to aggressive immigration enforcement operations.