The Chicago Police Department is reportedly investigating a group of their own officers suspected of sexual misconduct with newly arrived migrants.
“These allegations are under investigation with CPD’s Bureau of Internal Affairs and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability,” the agency told USA TODAY in a statement.
The department did not clarify how many officers are involved and whether disciplinary action has been taken.
Since August, the city has shouldered over 8,000 migrants sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, many requiring extensive care, according to city officials.
‘Critical tipping point’:Chicago Mayor Lightfoot urges Texas Gov. Abbott to stop busing migrants
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, who first broke the story, hundreds of migrants have had to sleep on floors at the police station, which lead to the city sending migrants to temporary locations like community colleges. All 22 of Chicago’s police stations have temporarily served as shelters for migrants, the Chicago Tribune reported.
About 40 immigrants have been moved out of the Ogden district police station Friday afternoon following the confirmation of the investigation, the Sun-Times reported. Police officials did not clarify where they were headed.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office told CNN and the Sun-Times in a statement that it was aware of the investigation saying, “The City takes these allegations, as well as the care and well-being of all residents and new arrivals, very seriously.” The mayor’s office said they are monitoring the situation closely but could not offer further comment as the investigation is ongoing.
“Yesterday, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) learned of a sexual misconduct allegation involving members of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) assigned to the 10th District and a migrant temporarily housed at the police station,” the agency said in a statement to CNN.
The migrants have traveled from Mexico as well as countries throughout Central and South America.
Prior to leaving office, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued an emergency declaration calling the surge of migrants a “national humanitarian crisis.” She also urged Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to stop busing migrants to Chicago in a letter calling the move “inhumane” and “dangerous.”
“Chicago is a welcoming city and we collaborate with county, state, and community partners to rise to this challenge, but your lack of consideration or coordination in an attempt to cause chaos and score political points has resulted in a critical tipping point in our ability to receive individuals and families in a safe, orderly, and dignified way,” Lightfoot wrote in the letter.
