The Civilian Office of Police Accountability, the oversight committee of Chicago's police department, confirmed Friday it had opened a formal investigation into an allegation that 10th District police officers engaged in sexual relations with at least one migrant housed at the police station.
On Friday, migrants were being bused out of the 10th District police station a day after CPD acknowledged an internal investigation into the allegations. It is unknown where the migrants who were housed at the police station are being transported.
"Yesterday, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability learned of a sexual misconduct allegation involving members of the Chicago Police Department assignment to the 10th District and a migrant temporarily housed at the police station," the statement from COPA began.
"While COPA investigations are currently determining whether the facts and detail of this allegation are substantiated, we want to assure the public that all allegations of this nature are of the highest priority and COPA will move swiftly to address any misconduct by those involved," the statement continued.
The full statement can be found below.
NBC Chicago received the statement from the independent civilian group Friday morning. In addition to helping to "identify and address patterns of police misconduct," the organization also conducts investigations into officer-involved shootings.
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"Our vision is to be the leader in police accountability by conducting thorough investigations to advance the culture of policing and build trust in civilian oversight," the group says.
A statement from CPD's Deputy Director of News Affairs and Communications Tom Ahern on Thursday said that both the Bureau of Internal Affairs and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability were investigating the allegations.
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The 10th District, often referred to as the "Ogden District," is located on the city's West Side, with officers in the district covering the Little Village and Lawndale neighborhoods.
The health and safety of migrants in Chicago has been a significant focus for both the City Council and Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration, with millions of dollars in funding earmarked earlier this year to go toward the migrant crisis.
According to the Chicago Tribune, all 22 of the city's police stations have been used as temporary shelters for migrants who have recently arrived in the city.
Johnson's office released the following statement regarding the investigation:
"The City takes these allegations, as well as the care and well-being of all residents and new arrivals, very seriously. We are monitoring the situation closely, but cannot comment further as this is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Bureau of Internal Affairs and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability," the statement read.
A second statement from Johnson's office was released Friday evening:
“The Johnson administration remains intensely focused on the deeply troubling allegations of sexual misconduct by a Chicago Police Department officer against a minor new arrival, and other allegations of sexual misconduct in the Chicago Police Department’s 10th District.
While this incident is under investigation by the CPD Bureau of Internal Affairs and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, the City is committed to providing mental health support and resources to all those in need. The administration is also in the process of relocating all new arrivals from District 10 today in accordance with its ongoing strategy of moving asylum seekers out of all Chicago police stations. New arrivals are being moved to temporary shelters in current operation, with full relocation to be completed by tomorrow morning.
The Johnson administration will continue to center the safety of all Chicagoans, including our new neighbors. The administration is also committed to working with CPD to ensure there are protocols in place to keep migrants at police stations safe while they wait for more adequate shelter, and to hold any officers and/or staff involved accountable upon the determination of the investigation," Johnson's recent statement said.
Ald. Michael Rodriguez, who represents the 22nd Ward, on Thursday also released a statement, emphasizing that the allegations should be "taken very seriously."
"We are a welcoming city for migrants and we need to make sure our public officials and public spaces are held accountable to honoring this value," the statement continued.
Friday, Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García released a statement, saying "our migrant neighbors came to Chicago seeking safety and stability. Police officers are sworn to protect our communities, not engage in illegal sexual conduct with teenagers and others in their care."
"This alleged behavior is completely unacceptable" the statement continued. "I expect the city’s investigation to be timely, thorough, transparent, and lead to accountability for all who are found guilty.”
The Fraternal Order of Police has yet to return NBC Chicago's request for comment.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
