Chicago police have closed an internal investigation into former Chief of Patrol Jon Hein’s conduct following a controversial shooting during federal immigration raids last year, according to recently released records. The probe, which examined allegations related to Hein’s response during the aftermath of the incident, was officially closed on May 25 with no sustained findings.
The inquiry centered on Hein’s role during the events of October 4, 2025, when a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent shot Marimar Martinez, a U.S. citizen, in Brighton Park amid Operation Midway Blitz, a large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation in Chicago. Federal agents reported being surrounded by hostile crowds, and in response, a message was broadcast across Chicago Police Department’s internal communication system instructing officers that “no units shall respond.” This directive, attributed to Hein, was sent approximately two hours after the shooting.
The hours following the incident saw intense confrontations between federal agents, local residents, and activists. Police officials deployed chemical agents multiple times, with 27 Chicago officers reportedly affected by tear gas during protests. The incident and subsequent law enforcement response sparked numerous complaints against Hein, many originating outside of Chicago, fueled by concerns over whether Chicago police adequately protected federal agents during the operation.
Despite the backlash, then-Superintendent Larry Snelling publicly defended Hein and emphasized challenges with communication during the chaotic response. Snelling stated that Hein “would never tell anybody to stand down when anybody is in trouble or in need of help,” while acknowledging miscommunication on the scene and the need for improvement.
Local law restricts Chicago police and other agencies from assisting with federal immigration enforcement under the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance and the Illinois TRUST Act. Nevertheless, CPD officers remained responsible for maintaining public safety during the tense incidents, performing duties such as traffic control, crowd management, and accident response.
The federal operation drew polarized reactions. Some critics argued that the police did not sufficiently shield city residents from the federal agents’ actions, which involved deployments of chemical munitions, arrests, and involvement in traffic collisions. Snelling highlighted the necessity for police neutrality amid the politically charged environment, emphasizing that officers are charged with upholding laws regardless of political pressures.
Hein retired as planned shortly after the conclusion of the investigation, leaving his post on June 1. The precise timing of his retirement paperwork is unclear, but the announcements and his departure occurred within a week of the probe’s closure.