A dramatic development has unfolded in the ongoing investigation involving members of the Chicago Police Department, where several officers from a tactical unit accused of misconduct have been stripped of their police powers while lawsuits and internal investigations continue to unfold.
For more than a year, investigative reporters from ABC7 Chicago I‑Team have been examining allegations that a specialized police unit repeatedly conducted unlawful searches during routine traffic stops across Chicago.
The unit, known as the 1863 Tactical Team, has been the subject of mounting complaints and legal challenges from drivers who claim their rights were violated.
Officer Stripped of Powers Mid-Testimony
The latest twist in the saga occurred during a deposition tied to one of the civil lawsuits against the city. Attorneys representing several drivers say what happened that day was unlike anything they had seen before.
During the deposition of Officer Richard Rodriguez Jr., proceedings came to an abrupt halt roughly 90 minutes after questioning began. According to court filings, Rodriguez stepped out during a break.
When he returned, his attorney announced that the deposition would be terminated immediately.
The reason was startling.
Rodriguez’s supervising sergeant had arrived and needed to escort him to police headquarters, where the officer was to be relieved of his police powers. That meant surrendering his badge and service weapon while an internal investigation proceeded.
Attorney Alleges Interference with Justice System
For attorney Jordan Marsh, who represents a dozen drivers suing the city over alleged misconduct during traffic stops, the interruption raised serious concerns about interference with the legal process.
Marsh previously spent nearly two decades representing police officers for the city but now finds himself arguing against the department in court.
He described the situation as unprecedented. In his view, the police department should not have the authority to interrupt a court ordered deposition. Marsh has filed a motion accusing the city of interfering with the civil justice system by effectively ending the questioning of Rodriguez before it was completed.
The controversy stems from a growing number of complaints against members of the 1863 Tactical Team. Records show that more than 100 complaints have been filed with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, commonly known as COPA.
The allegations include unlawful vehicle searches, racial profiling, harassment, and threatening behavior during traffic stops.
Body Camera Footage and Prior Discipline
One of the incidents central to the lawsuits occurred during a 2023 traffic stop involving a Chicago couple. Rodriguez pulled the vehicle over because it allegedly was not properly registered. That charge was later dismissed.
However, the couple claims the stop escalated into an unlawful search and a tense confrontation with officers. Body camera footage from the stop is now part of the evidence in the civil case against the city.
Internal investigators previously disciplined Rodriguez with a three-day suspension. The punishment stemmed from findings that he used profanity during the encounter and nearly deactivated his body camera prematurely, which violated department policy.
Rodriguez has denied the allegations contained in the lawsuit through court filings. Attempts by reporters to obtain comment from him or his attorney were unsuccessful.
Five Officers Relieved of Duty
The scrutiny surrounding the tactical team has already led to major changes within the unit. Since the investigation began, the team’s sergeant has been reassigned.
Five officers have now been relieved of their police powers pending investigations, a rare and serious step within the department.
Being relieved of police powers effectively removes an officer from active law enforcement duties. Officers in that status cannot carry their badge or firearm and are not permitted to conduct traffic stops or other police enforcement activities.
Meanwhile, the legal battle continues to escalate.
A federal judge has ordered the city to respond to Marsh’s claims that the department improperly interfered with the deposition. The court wants a full explanation of why Rodriguez was removed from duty at that exact moment and whether the action disrupted the legal proceedings.
The judge has set a deadline for the city to provide its response.
Unit Faces Uncertain Future
Adding another layer to the unfolding situation, another officer from the same tactical team has reportedly submitted paperwork to resign from the department.
With lawsuits moving forward, internal investigations ongoing, and multiple officers removed from duty, the controversy surrounding the 1863 Tactical Team continues to deepen.
For both the city and the drivers bringing the lawsuits, the coming weeks could prove pivotal as courts and investigators work to determine exactly what happened during those traffic stops and whether police authority was abused.
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