CHICAGO (AP) — A federal judge stated on Thursday that she would order federal agents in Chicago to limit their use of force against peaceful protesters and members of the news media, asserting that current practices infringe on constitutional rights. The preliminary injunction was prompted by a lawsuit accusing federal agents of employing excessive force during immigration enforcement operations in Chicago. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis indicated that the upcoming ruling is likely to face an appeal from the Trump administration, building upon a prior order requiring agents to wear identification badges and prohibiting specific riot-control tactics such as tear gas against protestors and journalists. Frustrated by the lack of compliance from federal officials, Judge Ellis now mandates the use of body cameras for agents involved in such operations.
During the hearing, Judge Ellis ardently defended the vibrancy of Chicago, reading a poem by Carl Sandburg, and rejected claims that the area is rife with violent rioters. Her statements coincided with heated exchanges between attorneys over the factual recountings of incidents during immigration enforcement, including an instance where a Border Patrol commander allegedly discharged a canister of tear gas into a protest crowd. “I don’t find defendants’ version of events credible,” she stated.
Under the new directives, agents are required to issue two warnings prior to deploying any riot control measures, and may only use force when it is deemed ‘objectively necessary to prevent an immediate threat.’ Judge Ellis criticized the emotional toll of previous encounters, recounting testimonies of those subjected to tear gas and aggressive detainment methods. Prior witnesses recounted feelings of anxiety about returning to protests and fear for their safety during advocacy activities.
This ruling is a significant step in addressing concerns surrounding the tactics employed by federal agents during immigration enforcement actions in civilian areas, reinforcing the constitutional rights of citizens to protest freely.
During the hearing, Judge Ellis ardently defended the vibrancy of Chicago, reading a poem by Carl Sandburg, and rejected claims that the area is rife with violent rioters. Her statements coincided with heated exchanges between attorneys over the factual recountings of incidents during immigration enforcement, including an instance where a Border Patrol commander allegedly discharged a canister of tear gas into a protest crowd. “I don’t find defendants’ version of events credible,” she stated.
Under the new directives, agents are required to issue two warnings prior to deploying any riot control measures, and may only use force when it is deemed ‘objectively necessary to prevent an immediate threat.’ Judge Ellis criticized the emotional toll of previous encounters, recounting testimonies of those subjected to tear gas and aggressive detainment methods. Prior witnesses recounted feelings of anxiety about returning to protests and fear for their safety during advocacy activities.
This ruling is a significant step in addressing concerns surrounding the tactics employed by federal agents during immigration enforcement actions in civilian areas, reinforcing the constitutional rights of citizens to protest freely.
