US authorities are investigating the allegations of sexual abuse by several Chicago (Illinois) police officers to immigrants asylum seekers temporarily housed in a police station, including a teenage girl.
Without detailing the facts, the Civilian Office of Police Responsibility (COPA, in English) indicated that it is investigating “an accusation of inappropriate sexual conduct” by agents of the Chicago Police Department of the 10th District, in the west of the city.
Local media report this Sunday that one of the officers has been accused of impregnating a teenager.
With the sending of migrants by states with Republican governments to Democratic jurisdictions, thousands of them have arrived in Chicago untimely, and in their first days they are forced to temporarily sleep in police stations or schools.
According to COPA, investigations “may involve criminal actions” and require the cooperation of the Police and, ultimately, the Cook County State’s Attorney.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stressed that he will work with the Police “to ensure that protocols are in place to keep migrants safe in police stations while they wait for more adequate shelter.”
Since August, about 11,000 immigrants they have been shipped to Chicago by bus or plane, some by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
“These complaints demonstrate the urgency with which the city must establish long-term solutions for temporary housing and permanent housing,” said Lawrence Benito, director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR).
The Johnson government plans to open five shelters for a total of 2,500 migrants.