Unmarked Officers At Calumet Park Station Aren't Immigration Agents, Coast Guard Says

The U. S. Coast Guard station in Calumet Park has deployed additional security personnel in response to threats and vandalism, not for immigration enforcement as some local residents feared. Armed officers in tactical gear were seen patrolling the area, leading to concerns about federal activity. Mayor Brandon Johnson has prohibited city property for immigration enforcement, amidst reports of agents detaining individuals in the Southeast Side.

The Park District is collaborating with local immigrant rights offices to monitor the situation and is reviewing agreements with the Coast Guard dating back to the 1930s. Coast Guard spokesperson Steve Roth confirmed that no immigration agencies are operating at the station. A federal judge recently mandated that all Department of Homeland Security agents must wear visible identification, except for undercover officers. Residents expressed unease over the presence of armed agents, with many unaware of their role. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding immigration enforcement in local communities.