Chicago's interim top cop addresses migrant crisis amid allegations against officers
CHICAGO - Interim Chicago police superintendent Fred Waller would not discuss alleged sexual relationships between police officers and migrants at a West Side district station Tuesday.
He did however talk about the strain the migrant crisis is putting on the city.
The interim top cop says the police department has been welcoming to all asylum seekers despite an investigation into allegations involving officers in the 10th District.
Four officers are reportedly under investigation by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.
Chicago police, COPA investigate alleged officer-migrant sexual relationships
Chicago police have initiated an investigation after allegations surfaced of sexual relationships occurring between officers and migrants who have come to the city to seek asylum.
It stems from an allegation that one or more of them engaged in sexual relations with at least one migrant housed at the police station, believed to be a minor.
SUBSCRIBE TO FOX 32 ON YOUTUBE
Waller spoke about many of the asylum seekers that have found shelter at Chicago police stations across the city, saying many of them don't want to leave because they feel safe there.
"The investigation as far as the allegations is ongoing, and we can't speak about that exactly, or specifically, but we've been very, very, very welcoming and accommodating in the districts. Has it sometimes been a little disruptive that so many people being in the stations? More probably disruptive to some of the citizens coming in to maybe make reports, but we've been very accommodating," Waller said.
"We've tried to make this transition a little bit better. I know there have been times when officers have brought food, water and clothing. And when you see the kids there, that's what really breaks your heart. The kids, they didn't ask to be here."
Protesters gathered outside of Chicago Police Headquarters Tuesday night, calling for the names of the officers now under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct to be released.
"Our tax dollars were used to exploit vulnerable human beings fleeing to start a new life," said Ben Yosef, activist.
"She's underage. I don't care if she was consenting age.They came to that police station to look for shelter and look for protection and what did they get?" said Charles Odum, Little Village resident.
Protesters say if the names aren't released, they plan to go on a hunger strike.