Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Chicago, IL

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Chicago Field Division

• Jurisdiction: Covers the Northern District of Illinois and the state of Indiana for regulatory and criminal enforcement.
• Mission: Investigates violent crimes involving firearms, arson, and explosives, and regulates relevant industries.
• Operations: Works closely with local police and task forces to combat gun trafficking and gang violence.

The ATF is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Justice. The Chicago Field Division manages a team of special agents and industry operations investigators. This location serves as the administrative headquarters for the division and is not a walk-in service center for general inquiries.

Contact & Security

• Reporting: To report illegal firearms activity, use the hotline or the ‘Report It’ mobile app.
• Access: The office is in a secure federal facility; public access is strictly controlled and by appointment only.
• Licensing: Federal Firearms License (FFL) questions should be directed to the Industry Operations investigators.