Chicago’s police superintendent Larry Snelling will participate in a public hearing about the department’s interactions with federal immigration agents, but only after refusing to attend if legal, police reform, and immigration experts were included as panelists. The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is hosting the special hearing Thursday to discuss rules for Chicago Police Department (CPD) interactions with federal immigration agents.
The hearing follows months of calls from neighbors and officials for an investigation into how local police have worked with federal agents during immigration enforcement operations in the city. Elected district councilors had recommended that independent experts join the panel to provide analysis on issues related to policing and immigration enforcement.
However, less than a week before the scheduled meeting, Snelling’s office informed the commission that he would not participate if other subject-matter experts were present. A March 27 memo from CPD stated: “This is not intended to diminish their knowledge or experience; however, based on a review of their backgrounds, they do not have specific expertise in the department’s policies, procedures or law enforcement operations.”
A previous February meeting addressing similar concerns took place without Snelling due to his unavailability. Nicole Garcia, spokesperson for the commission, confirmed Snelling will be present at Thursday’s session. The memo further stated: “To ensure clear and accurate communication of department policy, the superintendent is only willing to participate in a special meeting where he will be presenting on CPD policy, procedures and training.”
None of the suggested external experts—including former Mayor Lori Lightfoot; constitutional law professor Leah Litman; Barry Friedman of New York University; Latino Policy Forum CEO Linda Xochitl Tortolero; or Fred Tsao—will appear on Thursday’s panel. Commissioners plan to speak directly with Snelling about CPD training and accountability systems as well as possible changes needed.
Some district council members criticized delays in scheduling and said community requests were being overlooked by excluding outside voices. Elianne Bahena of Ogden District said: “Up until Friday, there still wasn’t a decision on whether the commission wanted subject matter experts on there…a decision or a run of show still had not been finalized.” Elizabeth Rochford from Albany Park District told commissioners last week: “We did not feel that there was any urgency in the commission…so we submitted petitions with what the community asked us to do.”
The timing of Thursday’s hearing coincides with both Passover and Holy Thursday holidays—a factor some say could limit participation but which Garcia said was necessary given scheduling constraints.
Calls for clarity stem from ongoing questions over whether Chicago police followed Sanctuary City rules during recent operations such as Operation Midway Blitz. Bahena concluded: “Our community wants answers…because trust was broken with the Chicago Police Department during the height of Operation Midway Blitz.”
District councils and this oversight commission were established after years of organizing aimed at improving public-police relations under an ordinance that allows hearings about top leadership.
