Chicago City Wire

If the Chicago police were permitted to cooperate with federal immigration agents, they could turn two illegals, a Venezuelan and Ecuadorian, they are questioning in the Jan. 26 murder of a Norwood Park man over for detention while they gather more evidence in the case.

But under the Welcoming City Ordinance, a sanctuary law, the Chicago Police Department is prohibited from reaching out to Homeland Security, and that is putting unnecessary strain on the investigation, according to a police department source who has asked not to be identified.

“There is some evidence in the case tying them to the scene,” the source said. “But it could take weeks before they process DNA evidence. If one or both are not charged and released, we’ll never see them again.”

CPD Chief Larry Snelling | City of Chicago

The source said that the evidence should on its own be enough to bring charges. Some reports are predicting that charges are imminent. The evidence includes a phone stolen from the victim, George Levin, a phone the police pinged to locate one of the suspects in the murder; also, a GPS Homeland Security bracelet worn by one in custody that places him in close proximity to the scene.

“It was a Biden administration program,” the source said referring to the bracelet. “Apparently one of them was initially refused entry based on his criminal history, but he returned later, and they put a bracelet on him to monitor movements if necessary.”

The murder occurred in the basement of Levin’s sister’s house – his sister discovered the body. He was reportedly tied up to chair, beaten, and had socks shoved in his mouth. He suffocated. The CPD source said that the illegals made contact with Levin by trolling meet-up websites.

CWB Chicago reports that in early January the Venezuelan, a 21-one-year old, was charged with assault while trying to lure young girls into a car on North Sayre Ave.

 CPD classified the incident as a kidnapping, CWB reported.

“However, about nine hours later, the man was released from the Jefferson Park (16th) District police station, charged only with misdemeanor assault. CPD refused to comment on the matter Thursday, saying it was an ‘ongoing investigation,’” the report said.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has doubled down in his support of the city’s sanctuary law and has vowed to protect illegals from federal officials for deportation.

“Regardless of who is in the White House, Chicago is a city that opens its arms to people from around the globe," Johnson said during a Tuesday press conference held with CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling. "We will continue to protect civil and human rights, and we welcome all individuals and families who want to work, live and thrive here in our beloved city. The Welcoming City Ordinance is a law, and it is the law of the land here in Chicago. We will uphold it, along with the complementary Illinois Trust Act to ensure that our immigrant communities are safe."

Snelling said the Department does receive some information from federal immigration officials.

"Communication is there, and my focus is to stay in direct contact with them, so that we know what is going on at all times in our city," Snelling said.

The CPD source said that police fear any communication with ICE would be considered cooperation in the “eyes of the adjudicator.”