Chicago police superintendent defends department's actions with ICE, says officers will keep peace

The Chicago police superintendent is defending his department's actions regarding protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement and disputes allegations he told officers not to respond to federal agents' calls for help.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling made statements Monday, amid allegations that local police are not doing enough – or anything – to help when agents clash with protesters, as the Trump administration cracks down on migrants living illegally in the U.S. 

He specifically said Chief of Patrol Jon Hein didn't tell officers not to respond to ICE agents who were surrounded by vehicles on Saturday, amid reports stating the contrary, according to local news station ABC7 Chicago.

We'll respond if "any law enforcement agency is in trouble or in need of help," Snelling also said.

Following the incident Saturday, federal prosecutors charged two people – Marimar Martinez, 30, and Anthony Ian Santos Ruiz, 21 – with forcibly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with a federal law enforcement officer, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Illinois.

They allegedly used their cars to hit a vehicle being driven by a Customs and Border Protection agent. An agent reportedly fired five shots at Martinez, hitting her at least once, according to local news station FOX 32.

Snelling also said his officers will always protect fellow law enforcement officers, even federal immigration agents.

“If we’re working to make sure that we’re keeping the peace, this has nothing to do with immigration,” Snelling said.

"When a crime is being committed, CPD is going to show up. And it doesn't matter if there are ICE agents there. We have a duty to investigate and protect our city," he also said.

"You may not like what they're doing. I can understand that there's a lot of emotions out there, but that does not mean that you get to commit a crime," Snelling added, referencing federal agents.

“When you plow into a vehicle that contains law enforcement agents, you’re using deadly force, and they can use deadly force in response to stop you,” he said.