Pulse Radio

11/14/2025

Statement from Deputy Chief Agalianos

I want to take a moment to address my encounter with Commander Bovino from the United States Border Patrol on Nov 7th. I understand how my actions and words may have caused heightened emotions among residents. My interaction was due to an escalating sequence of events that transpired in Waukegan throughout the day.

When I spoke with Commander Bovino, I knew tensions were elevated for both members of our community and federal agents. My goal was to de-escalate and stabilize the situation, communicating the distress and fear that these operations have caused in our community.

In that moment, our police officers, me included, were at the scene strictly for public safety, and to keep it from further escalation, as we’ve seen in other cities.
To those who feel that my actions were an endorsement of operations that have affected our community, my apologies. They were not an endorsement. They were an effort to safeguard our community from a volatile situation.

To everyone in Waukegan, I assure you that the Waukegan Police Department is committed to serving and protecting everyone in this city, regardless of immigration status. The Chief of Police has stated, and I will reiterate that the Waukegan Police Department follows guidelines established in the Illinois TRUST Act, which prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from assisting the federal government with civil immigration enforcement.

In times of division and uncertainty, leadership means standing firm in our mission to provide safety, and dignity for all. My unwavering commitment to our community has not changed.

To our community, I hear you and I stand with you.

Deputy Chief Agalianos
Waukegan Police Department


Photo Taken by K. Foster Photography

11/10/2025

10/31/2025

Gurnee Police Not Involved in Federal Pursuit That Ended Near O’Plaine Campus

This morning, October 30, 2025, the Gurnee Police Department was notified of an incident involving federal law enforcement agencies in pursuit of a vehicle occupied by individuals who had been previously deported for felony offenses. According to information provided by federal agents, the suspects were wanted by federal authorities. The pursuit originated outside of Gurnee and resulted in multiple crashes in neighboring jurisdictions before entering the village limits.

At approximately 8:21 AM, the fleeing suspect vehicle was traveling at an extremely high rate of speed westbound on Grand Avenue when it lost a tire near the intersection of Grand Avenue and First Street. The detached tire struck a vehicle traveling eastbound on Grand Avenue. The suspect vehicle continued westbound on Grand Avenue before turning south onto O’Plaine Road, near the entrance to Warren Township High School’s O’Plaine Campus.

The occupants of the fleeing vehicle exited the car and ran toward the high school. One suspect entered the school and was immediately detained by federal agents. The second suspect was also quickly taken into custody outside of the school.

The Gurnee Police Department did not take part in the pursuit, detention, or arrest of the individuals involved in this incident. Under the Illinois Trust Act, the Gurnee Police Department is prohibited from assisting, supporting, or participating in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws.

Our department’s School Resource Officer was present at the O’Plaine Campus at the time of the incident. He worked closely with school administration to secure the campus and ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. The situation was resolved quickly, and a lockdown was not required.

The Gurnee Police Department understands that developing situations of this nature can be alarming to students, staff, and parents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported for anyone on campus or to motorists in the area. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Warren Township High School staff, students, and parents for their cooperation and patience throughout the incident.

10/28/2025

Tonight, the Waukegan City Council and Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham passed Resolution 25-R-281, a resolution adopting policy and procedure prohibiting the use of City property for federal civil immigration enforcement. This legislative action means City-owned spaces cannot be used as staging areas, processing locations, or operations bases for federal immigration activities.

This resolution reaffirms the City’s commitment to ensuring that all residents feel safe engaging with local government and law enforcement, regardless of immigration status. The City of Waukegan is here to build trust, not barriers.

A copy of the resolution can be found at https://go.boarddocs.com/il/cowil/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DMNRYH70342B

10/27/2025