When homeowner Leo Feler went to his local police station to report that federal immigration agents had entered his property without a warrant, he says officers turned him away — twice.
Construction workers who were hired to replace windows and siding at Feler’s Lake View home were on a lunch break Oct. 24 when federal agents jumped out of two vehicles and chased them through the property — arresting one of them.
In a Friday news conference, Feler claimed federal officers had broken several laws that can be seen in security video. He went to his local police station and said officers “refused” to file a report.
“The police report was going to be for trespassing, breaking and entering, burglary, battery and assault of the construction worker on my property and kidnapping of one of the construction workers,” he said.
After trying a second time, Feler said an officer eventually filed a report for criminal damage to property. But later, he received a call from a sergeant who told him the case wouldn’t move forward because his superiors had instructed him to drop it.
Feler said the department’s refusal to take his report made it seem as though police were concerned about possible repercussions.
“I don’t believe that CPD was being malicious,” Feler said. “It’s not that they were trying to be unhelpful but they are clearly concerned about doing something in this instance. So if the police themselves appear to be afraid of the situation, how should I feel? If they’re afraid, I’m very afraid.”
CPD and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Feler said the raid began when federal officers jumped over a 5-foot wrought iron gate onto his property without a warrant.
After agents arrived, the workers tried to flee to safety. Two found refuge inside, and one escaped. The fourth was detained. One of the workers was caught by agents as he tried to hide in a garbage receptacle but couldn‘t shut the lid in time.
Federal officers also stepped onto his porch, went into his backyard, and went into his parking garage, Feler said.
The incident has left Feler shaken.
“I haven’t been 50 feet away from the house for an entire week, and that’s because we don’t know if this is going to happen again,” Feler said. “We don’t know if we’re a target.”
Chicago police officials have said they would not aid federal officers carrying out immigration enforcement across the city. But Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling has said the police department would continue to respond to calls for help after a woman was shot during a raid in Brighton Park earlier this month.
The City Council has questions about how the city is responding to calls about immigration raids, 44th Ward Ald. Bennett Lawson said at the news conference. He said he would raise those questions during a meeting with police.
“I know that in some ways, they’re in a tough spot and that they have to keep everyone safe, but I think a better understanding of what their role should be would be helpful for everyone,” said Lawson.
Feler said submitting a police report allows him to establish that crime occurred on his property.
“From there, we will see how we proceed,” he said. “Maybe it’s a lawsuit. Maybe it’s just a declaration that what occurred on my property was actually criminal, and that’s just a starting point.”
Feler said he has paused the repairs on his home until he can ensure that construction workers are safe on his property, regardless of their legal status.
“I don’t want to put workers at risk,” he said “I don’t want to put myself at risk. I don’t want to put my neighbors at risk.”