U.S. District Judge Sarah L. Ellis’ ruling aims to protect the free speech rights of Chicago journalists, clergy, and protesters. It happened during President Trump’s crackdown on cities.
Chicagoans fear immigration raids amid enforcement action
USA TODAY’s Michael Loria interviews Chicago residents about how immigration enforcement is impacting their daily lives and community life.
CHICAGO – A federal judge presiding over a case involving the use of force by immigration officials in the city has placed sweeping limits on their tactics, saying the justification for using chemical weapons and other types of force is “absolutely not true.”
U.S. District Judge Sarah L. Ellis’ ruling came amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown known as Operation Midway Blitz. Many Chicago residents are frustrated by the use of chemical agents and raids on their homes by federal authorities. A group of journalists, clergy, and protesters filed suit, saying the agents’ tactics were scaring people and preventing them from exercising their right to free speech.
Mr. Ellis, speaking in court, cited many of the derogatory examples faced by violent agents cited by government lawyers. Federal officials say chemical weapons and other tactics are needed to deal with Chicago’s “riots.”
“Describing the neighborhood moms as professional agitators shows how out of touch these operatives are and how unbelievable their views are,” Ellis said. “Overall, this calls into question everything the defendants say they are doing and their characterization of the case.”
Ellis’ order requires warnings before using chemical weapons, limits their use to extreme situations and requires the use of body-worn cameras.
Lawyers for the defendants, including President Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, are expected to appeal Ellis’ order. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit previously ruled against Ellis, barring him from summoning Bovino to court for daily reports.
