A Chicago police officer is being investigated after threatening to arrest a pro-life advocate outside an abortion clinic Tuesday. It appears the officer was unclear about the city’s bubble zone ordinance. 

Self-proclaimed missionary to abortion clinics Juan-Elias Riesco was handing out leaflets outside a clinic in downtown Chicago when an officer ordered him to move, telling Riesco he was breaking the law by standing within 50 feet of the building. 

Chicago’s disorderly conduct ordinance does not create a 50–foot “keep out” zone. The law says people can’t approach within eight feet of another person to pass a leaflet or protest. Riesco is within the law as long as he doesn’t block entrances or get too close to patients.

“I’m gonna have to arrest you,” the officer said during the exchange. When Riesco asked why, the officer responded, “Because you’re within 50 feet.”

Riesco recited the legal language to the officer, who ignored the corrections and demanded Riesco’s ID. The pro-life advocate eventually moved to avoid arrest but protested the officer’s demands. 

“I will move because you are putting me at risk of being arrested,” Riesco said. “But officer, it says I cannot approach. I’m not approaching.” 

Riesco returned to the clinic later that day and ended up congratulating a woman who left the building without aborting her child. She told him she changed her mind after hearing the baby’s heartbeat. 

Public records show the police department’s Bureau of Internal Affairs is investigating the Chicago officer for unprofessional conduct and abuse of authority following the confrontation.