Lawmaker, officer warns Elgin officer firing could chill free speech

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker and law enforcement officer is sharply criticizing the city of Elgin’s decision to fire an officer over social media posts, calling the move an “overreach” that could silence law enforcement voices.

State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, said the termination of Officer Jason Lentz raises serious constitutional concerns.

“Police officers don’t give up their First Amendment rights when they put on the badge – or take it off,” Cabello said. “Firing someone over a social media post, without clear evidence of misconduct on duty, definitely feels like an overreach.”

When asked about public employees being fired for social media posts surrounding the Charlie Kirk assassination, Cabello said the First Amendment protects everyone from government punishment for their speech, but public employees—especially in roles like law enforcement—are still held to a higher standard. He said that while political opinions are protected, comments that appear to celebrate or glorify violence can undermine public trust and justify consequences from an employer. He added that supporting free speech while expecting accountability from those in positions of public trust is not a contradiction.

Elgin officials said Officer Jason Lentz was fired after an investigation found his 2025 social media posts about federal immigration enforcement violated policy.

In a news release, Police Chief Ana Lalley called the termination “warranted and necessary.”

Cabello disputed that conclusion, emphasizing that officers should be able to speak publicly about crime and safety.

“We still have free speech,” Cabello told The Center Square. “Simply expressing support for law enforcement or pointing out areas where there may be criminal activity – especially immigration-related crime – that’s part of what officers deal with.”

Cabello warned the firing could have wider consequences.

“A hundred percent, it has a chilling effect,” he said. “When officers see someone fired over their own free speech, they’re going to think twice before speaking up.”

He suggested the decision may influence how officers communicate about crime trends and public safety moving forward.

Cabello also raised concerns about department leadership, pointing to reported internal tensions.

“When your own department tells you there’s no confidence in you, that’s pretty bad,” he said, referencing a reported vote of no confidence in Chief Lalley.

He went further, suggesting the firing may have been motivated by internal dynamics rather than policy alone.

“I think it’s vindictive,” Cabello said. “It looks like trying to make sure nobody goes against her again.”

In November 2022, the Elgin Police Benevolent & Protective Association Unit #54 overwhelmingly voted “no confidence” in Lalley, citing toxic working conditions, mismanagement, low morale and safety concerns.

Lentz had applied for a disability pension in October 2025 following a prior on-duty injury, and the pension was approved in February 2026. Officials said the pension process is separate and unaffected by his termination.

“I wholly support Chief Lalley’s decision to terminate Lentz as a police officer,” said City Manager Rick Kozal.

A city news release notes that in 2014, Lentz faced disciplinary action for a social media activity related to the Ferguson, Missouri, police shooting. The city said the post violated department policy, but an arbitrator later reduced his firing to a six-month suspension.

Cabello indicated the case may not be over.

“I’m sure he’ll fight it,” he said, noting the officer had previously challenged disciplinary action successfully.