Law enforcement agencies in Lake and McHenry counties and across the U.S. are remaining vigilant and actively monitoring for threats amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The U.S. military and Israel Defense Forces began a massive coordinated attack against Iran just after midnight Central Time on Saturday, prompting retaliatory strikes from Iran.
Dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” and “Operation Roaring Lion,” the U.S. and Israeli strikes target key Iranian officials and facilities and follow the largest military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Federal, state and local law enforcement across the country are reportedly on higher alert on Saturday for threats in their respective jurisdictions.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said the sheriff’s office is “closely monitoring the ongoing situation overseas.”
“At this time, we have not identified any credible threats or specific acts of violence affecting Lake County,” Covelli said Saturday afternoon. “That said, we remain vigilant.”
“Our Sheriff’s Office Director of Homeland Security is in regular contact with state and federal partners and maintains established relationships within federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Through those channels, we are receiving updates and sharing information to ensure we stay ahead of any potential concerns,” Covelli said.
Covelli added that the safety of residents “is always our top priority,” and that the sheriff’s office will adjust operations as they evaluate potential risks.
The City of Highland Park said that the Highland Park Police Department is increasing patrols at high-profile locations in the city, like places of worship.
“There are no known threats to Highland Park at this time,” the city said Saturday afternoon.
McHenry County Sheriff Robb Tadelman told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that his office is not aware of any credible threats to McHenry County.
“That said, like law enforcement agencies across the country, we are closely monitoring developments,” the sheriff said.
Similar to Lake County, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office also has dedicated analysts who work with state and federal law enforcement to gain intelligence and evaluate potential threats.
“As always, the safety and security of our residents is our priority. Should any credible threat information emerge, we will take appropriate action and communicate with the public accordingly,” Tadelman said.
An Illinois State Police spokesperson said that the Illinois Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center (STIC) in Springfield “does not have any specific information that any individuals, groups, or sites in Illinois are being targeted for possible attacks.”
“STIC works with our federal, state, local, and private sector partners to track threats and suspicious activities and shares intelligence,” the ISP spokesperson said.
FBI Director Kash Patel said, “FBI personnel are fully engaged on the situation overseas.”
Patel ordered the FBI’s counterterrorism and intelligence teams to be on high alert and mobilize security assets as needed.
“Our JTTFs [Joint Terrorism Task Forces] throughout the country are working 24/7, as always, to address and disrupt any potential threats to the homeland,” Patel said.
The U.S. Secret Service also said that they are closely coordinating with local and federal law enforcement partners.
“While we do not discuss our specific protective measures for operational security reasons, the public may notice an increased law enforcement and federal presence around U.S. Secret Service protected sites. Any temporary traffic or pedestrian impacts will be communicated by our local law enforcement partners,” the Secret Service said.
Officials are reminding the public to report suspicious activity to local police or to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran – as well as retaliatory strikes from Iran and its proxies – are expected to continue rocking the Middle East region in the coming days.