DHS Descends On Homewood House, ICE Won't Comment On 'Criminal Investigation'

HOMEWOOD, IL — Homewood Police on Tuesday assisted the Department of Homeland Security in operations at a house near 185th and Poplar, police confirmed late Tuesday morning.

Residents in the area reported seeing armed officers outside the home; flash bangs and bullhorns were also used in the execution of a search warrant.

Witnesses reportedly observed two people emerge from the home and surrender to authorities, a resident told Patch. The two were taken into custody by DHS agents.

Homewood police initially declined further comment, citing the federal agency's involvement.

Patch contacted representatives for DHS, as well as U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In an email to Patch Tuesday afternoon, an ICE spokesman declined comment.

"For operational security reasons and to avoid prejudicing any potential prosecution, we cannot comment on active criminal investigations," wrote Tim Oberle, public affairs officer/spokesman for ICE.

Homewood police later said the warrant was regarding identity theft and fraud, and was not related to immigration violations.