A federal operation was underway in Highland Park Wednesday morning as part of a “criminal investigation,” with police activity seen blocks from Highland Park High School.
The City of Highland Park said it was made aware that federal officials were in Highland Park as part of a criminal investigation that is not related to immigration enforcement.
City officials said no additional information was available as part of the criminal investigation.
The city said it was aware of reports circulating online that the investigation was related to immigration enforcement.
Federal authorities preemptively notified the Highland Park Police Department about the action and confirmed that it concerns a criminal matter and not immigration.
“While the criminal matter does not concern immigration enforcement, the City recognizes that many community members may be concerned about the presence of federal law enforcement agents in Highland Park due to recent enforcement activity around the country,” the city said in a statement.
“Please be assured that the City of Highland Park Police Department will remain in compliance with the Illinois TRUST Act in ensuring public safety and protecting the peace in our community,” the statement said.
A resident said she saw two black trucks with tinted windows sitting on Chicago Avenue near Green Bay Road for at least two hours starting around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.
The location is just three blocks north of Highland Park High School.
A spokesperson for Township High School District 113 said that the district was made aware of the police activity but did not have further details on it.
Another resident said one of the agents tried asking her questions as she walked out of an alley with her dog.
The man said he was with the sheriff’s department and showed a badge, which she said was “super sketchy.”
“As a female, I am going to be skeptical of any male in an unmarked vehicle, with no uniform, flashing a badge at me from across the street,” the woman said.
The ATF Chicago Field Division and the FBI Chicago Field Office both told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that neither of them was involved.
Lake and McHenry County Scanner is awaiting comment from other federal agencies.