HAMMOND & EAST CHICAGO MAYORS ISSUE STATEMENTS FOLLOWING UNAUTHORIZED ICE ACTIVITY AT LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Northwest Indiana sparked concern Thursday after armed agents were seen staging operations at both the Hammond and East Chicago Police Department parking lots — without prior authorization or coordination with local officials.
Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. said his office was alerted early in the morning to the presence of armed federal agents using the Hammond Police Department lot.
“Let me be clear: Hammond does not have any agreements or partnerships with ICE that authorize them to use our city’s facilities or property for their operations,” McDermott stated. “It is deeply concerning that federal agents would enter and use Hammond’s property without permission — especially when the Federal Courthouse is located just one block west of our police headquarters.”
City officials immediately notified ICE agents that they were not authorized to conduct staging operations on Hammond property. McDermott added that agents complied and relocated elsewhere in the city following the city’s directive.
Meanwhile, in East Chicago, Mayor Anthony Copeland and Police Chief Jose Rivera released a joint statement addressing a similar situation after video surfaced online appearing to show ICE agents conducting an arrest within city limits.
According to Copeland, the East Chicago Police Department confirmed that ICE agents were also briefly staged in the public portion of the department’s parking lot.
“The East Chicago Police Department is not involved in any operations with ICE,” Copeland said. “We have not coordinated, supported, or participated in any immigration enforcement actions, and no information has been shared with ICE regarding such matters.”
Copeland expressed frustration over the lack of communication from federal officials.
“The lack of prior notification from ICE was troubling, but I understand that federal agencies are not required to inform local governments of their presence,” he said. “I urge our residents to remain calm and not engage with ICE agents, either verbally or physically.”
A peaceful protest has been scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM at East Chicago City Hall, where local residents are expected to express concern over federal enforcement operations in their community.
Chief Rivera reaffirmed the city’s stance on public safety:
“We remain committed to protecting the rights and safety of all East Chicago residents. Our department is here to serve and support the community — not to participate in immigration enforcement.”
Copeland concluded by calling for unity amid rising tensions.
“This is a moment for unity, not division. There will be many who will foolishly inform you that the city is empowered to take action against ICE — this is not only false but dangerous misinformation.”
