Story perspectives

ICE Arrests Convicted Criminals Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

10/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

During the ongoing government shutdown, ICE arrested several convicted criminals, including Varinder Singh, an Indian national, for drug trafficking.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said ICE personnel are working without pay to safeguard public safety.
A federal judge expressed concern about tear gas used against protesters in Chicago and ordered body cameras.
Hanover Park police officer Radule Bojovic was arrested by ICE, and Governor JB Pritzker called the federal crackdown chaotic.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to 17, stemmed from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, leading to the furlough of approximately 800,000 federal employees. This shutdown disrupted immigration courts, delaying asylum cases and highlighting ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities, particularly regarding immigration enforcement by ICE, which reported a 20% increase in arrests during this period.

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Story summary

During the ongoing government shutdown, ICE arrested several convicted criminals, including Varinder Singh, an Indian national, for drug trafficking.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said ICE personnel are working without pay to safeguard public safety.
A federal judge expressed concern about tear gas used against protesters in Chicago and ordered body cameras.
Hanover Park police officer Radule Bojovic was arrested by ICE, and Governor JB Pritzker called the federal crackdown chaotic.

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