Oak Brook, Illinois, located on the Eastern edge of DuPage County and approximately 12 miles outside of Chicago, has seen a surge in migrant-related criminal activity, according to Oak Brook Chief of Police, Brian Strokos. In a recent interview, Chief Strokos discussed the escalating migrant arrests in his community, shedding light on the issue.
Since October 23rd of last year, the Oak Brook Police Department has made a staggering 57 arrests for felony burglary and retail theft, directly linked to individuals of migrant descent. Chief Strokos expressed his concerns regarding this significant increase in criminal activity, emphasizing that not all migrants enter the country with pure intentions of achieving the American Dream.
The police chief noted that the offenders in Oak Brook were predominantly from countries such as Venezuela, Chile, and various Central American nations. Additionally, he mentioned that neighboring regions, specifically Maryland and Virginia, have been grappling with notable problems related to Chilean and Venezuelan gangs crossing the border and causing havoc.
Chief Strokos highlighted the differences in policing and prosecution approaches between DuPage County and Cook County, where Chicago is located. Due to the distinct philosophy towards law enforcement in DuPage County, these offenders are being charged with felony burglary for entering stores with the intent to commit theft or other felonies. Furthermore, they have been found to utilize theft detection shielding devices and employ teamwork and specialized tools, such as cutters, to defeat security systems.
Expressing his commitment to public safety, Chief Strokos emphasized the need to address the issue promptly. He ardently advocated for the deportation of convicted felons who are identified as migrants. According to him, once these individuals have been convicted of a felony, they should be classified as immediately deportable aliens, thereby ensuring that communities are protected from potential harm and minimizing the risk of recidivism.
As this wave of migrant-related crime continues to impact Oak Brook and wider communities across the United States, debates surrounding the nation's immigration policies and the subsequent consequences persist. While opinions on this matter may differ, Chief Strokos underlines the significance of acknowledging the realities on the ground while making efforts to ensure public safety and effective law enforcement.
