Molotov cocktail suspect’s release questioned

Audio By Carbonatix

(The Center Square) – Federal and state officials are questioning Illinois sanctuary policies after a Jordanian national charged with illegal possession of Molotov cocktails was released on electronic monitoring while he was unlawfully present in the United States.

Hamed Alsaidi, 31, was arrested in Mokena on August 1 and charged with eight counts of possessing an unregistered destructive device.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer with Will County the day Alsaidi was arrested, but county judge Theodore Jarz granted Alsaidi pretrial release the next day.

State Rep. Patrick Sheehan, R-Homer Glen, said local authorities are not allowed to coordinate with federal immigration law enforcement in Illinois.

“ICE actually had filed for the detainer, but due to the TRUST Act where courts and police aren't allowed to coordinate, he was walking free for a few days,” Sheehan told The Center Square.

ICE took Alsaidi into custody two days after he was released.

“This criminal illegal alien was arrested after he was found to have EIGHT Molotov cocktails in his possession and gave a false name to officers. He now faces charges of unlawful possession of a weapon and obstructing identification,” a DHS spokesperson said.

Sheehan said Mokena police and Will County prosecutors did their job by asking the judge for Alsaidi’s detainment, but Illinois’ electronic monitoring system is broken.

“Just in Cook County alone, they have 300 on ankle monitors that are AWOL and there are some that charges include murder, so we as a General Assembly, this needs to be a top priority going into veto session, lame duck session and then the new General Assembly that gets sworn in,” Sheehan told The Center Square.

Sheehan said a search of Alsaidi’s backpack allegedly uncovered a handwritten map along with the eight Molotov cocktails.

“To have a map that included the Metra station and then mentioning the mosque, the Orland Park Prayer Center, I just think it was reckless by this judge to then release this person,” Sheehan said.

According to DHS, Alsaidi illegally entered the United States in March 2024 through California.