Overview

• Willie Mathews Jr., 21, from Matteson, was arrested June 12 around 5:10 p.m. in the 200 block of South Michigan Avenue for allegedly posing as a police officer during an anti-ICE protest.
• Officers discovered Mathews wearing a T-shirt and backpack marked “police” and recovered a loaded handgun on his person.
• He told authorities he was a self-styled “peace” officer and therefore believed he did not need a concealed-carry license.
• Prosecutors plan to introduce further evidence and witness statements at his June 15 hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.
• The anti-immigration demonstration drew hundreds through the Loop and has renewed discussion about security measures at large public protests.