ATF Chicago

ATF Chicago Field Division is proud to share our investigative highlights from 2025. READ MORE: atf.gov/news/press-rel… This work was made possible through the close collaboration and dedication of our federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial partners. @ATFHQ @TheJusticeDept

This Memorial Day, the Justice Department honors and remembers the brave men and women whose sacrifices secured the freedoms we cherish as a nation. Their courage and legacy will never be forgotten.

We are praying for La Porte County Deputy Sheriff/DEA Task Force Officer Jon Samuelson and his family. We stand alongside his family, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, and all those impacted by this tragedy during this difficult time. @DEAHQ @TheJusticeDept

CASE UPDATE: On the evening of May 20, 2026, ATF and the Chicago Police Department, as part of a Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago investigation, arrested Lamont Williams, 37, in connection with the violent shoot out that occurred in the 200 Block of N Washtenaw Ave in West Town on April 4, 2026. Williams was charged via federal criminal complaint with being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Williams remains detained in federal custody. @Chicago_Police @NDILnews

Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison For Distribution of Fentanyl and Felon in Possession of a Firearm “An armed, recidivist drug dealer is going to prison for dealing fentanyl.  He forfeited 6 and a half years of his life because he wanted to peddle poison in our district.  Thanks to the combined efforts of the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fort Wayne Police Department and Assistant United States Attorney Dawn R. Ransom, the Defendant was caught, prosecuted, and sentenced,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration @DEACHICAGODiv with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation @FBIIndianapolis and the Fort Wayne Police Department @FortWaynePolice . The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dawn R. Ransom. Read more here 🔗: justice.gov/usao-ndin/pr/f…

Recidivist Mexican National Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison For Reentry of Removed Alien and Firearm Offenses “An illegal alien with two convictions for sexual battery was sentenced to 41 months in prison for possessing a rifle and ammunition and reentering the country for a third time after having been removed on two separate occasions.  Once he finishes his sentence, he will be removed a third and hopefully final time.  Armed recidivist sexual offenders who violate our borders are not welcome here,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations @HSIChicago , with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives @ATF_Chicago , the United States Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force @USMarshalsHQ , the Logansport Police Department, the Cass County Sheriff's Office, and the Monticello Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah T Jones and Jerome W. McKeever. Read more here 🔗: justice.gov/usao-ndin/pr/r…

ATF is proud to work with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and our federal, state, and county partners on the Regional Transit Task Force. Through this task force and the expansion of Project Safe Neighborhoods to the CTA, we’re combining our resources and expertise towards a safer Chicagoland.

ATF's core mission remains clear: combat violent crime, safeguard lawful commerce, and uphold the Constitution. ATF is steadfast in defending the rights of law-abiding citizens while protecting American communities.

ATF Chicago extends our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Chicago Fire Department Engineer Steven M. Decker. ATF stands with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Fire Department as we mourn this tragic loss.

ATF Director Robert Cekada and staff placed a wreath at the @NLEOMF this week to honor the men and women of law enforcement who have paid the ultimate price protecting communities from violent crime. #PoliceWeek2026

Northern District of Illinois | Rockford Restaurant Owner Sentenced to Five and a Half Years in Prison for Burning Down His Restaurant and Filing False Insurance Claim | United States Department of Justice justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/r…

Attorney General Appoints United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros to Attorney General’s Advisory Committee @TheJusticeDept justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/a…

U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges Man With Illegally Possessing Loaded Firearm in Downtown Chicago Federal Courthouse @ATF_Chicago @USMarshalsHQ justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/u…

Today, SAC Amon participated in a panel discussion where he highlighted ATF’s recent work on combatting violent crime in Illinois and Northern Indiana, as well as how ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago is helping identify and charge offenders driving violence in our communities quicker.

Today, we honor the life of Chicago Police Officer John G. Bartholomew #12963. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Bartholomew's family and loved ones as we prepare to lay our fallen hero to rest. #NeverForget

The Chicago Police Department honored the legacy of Police Officer Aréanah M. Preston #15870, End of Watch: May 6, 2023, at her memorial roll call in the 5th District today alongside family, friends and community members. We will never forget her service and sacrifice.

Congress gives executive agencies the power to create federal rules to define how laws will be interpreted and enforced. By law, agencies must seek and consider public input before finalizing any rule. The 6-step process is simple, transparent, and open to the public. Participation strengthens policy; your comments matter. The proposed and final rules submitted last week are beginning to show up in the Federal Register. Review and comment at federalregister.gov/agencies/alcoh…. #NewEra

Yesterday, ATF held a ceremonial swearing-in for Robert Cekada as Director at ATF Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche administered the oath and presented Director Cekada with his official badge and credentials. Director Cekada began his career in law enforcement as New York City Police officer; he joined ATF in 2005 as a Special Agent. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 29, 2026, and is only the third Senate-confirmed leader in the agency’s history and the first active ATF Special Agent to hold the title of director. More at atf.gov/news/press-rel… #WeAreATF #ATFDirector

Seventh Defendant Charged as Part of Federal Investigation Into Violent Home Invasion in Winnetka, Ill. @ATF_Chicago @FBIChicago justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/s…

CASE UPDATE: @ATF_Chicago and law enforcement partners have arrested seven offenders tied to a violent home invasion in Winnetka, Illinois, this past March. Six defendants were indicted on robbery and kidnapping offenses after allegedly forcing entry at gunpoint, and demanding access to cryptocurrency. Federal charges against the seventh offender are pending. Read more at justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/f… @FBIChicago @WinnetkaPolice