Chicago Judge to Address Allegations of Excessive Force by Federal Immigration Agents

Thu Nov 13 2025 14:17:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A federal judge is set to hear arguments regarding allegations of excessive force used by immigration agents during protests in Chicago. With testimonies scheduled from affected individuals, the case raises urgent questions about law enforcement practices.

A federal judge in Chicago is hearing a case involving allegations of excessive force used by immigration agents against local residents during protests. The lawsuit, filed by news outlets and community members, calls for a temporary injunction against the use of riot-control techniques such as tear gas. Judge Sara Ellis has previously mandated that agents wear badges and limited the use of such techniques against peaceful protesters. Testimonies are expected from individuals affected by the alleged violence, casting a spotlight on law enforcement methods in immigration enforcement.

CHICAGO (Neutralecho) — A federal judge is expected to rule on Wednesday about allegations that immigration agents in Chicago have used excessive force during recent protests, following a series of tense encounters that have been highlighted in a recent lawsuit.

The hearing stems from a lawsuit filed by various media outlets and local activists, which claims immigration agents employed excessive force, including tear gas, to disperse peaceful demonstrations. This legal proceeding is critical as it is set to address the controversial tactics used by federal agencies in enforcement actions.

U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis has previously imposed restrictions on the agents, requiring them to wear clear identification badges and prohibiting the use of riot-control measures against journalists and peaceful protesters. Her attempts to implement stricter measures, including body cameras for agents, have faced resistance from federal officials.

The court will hear testimonies from individuals who have claimed to be victims of these alleged actions, including a pastor who experienced a chemical agent while praying outside the immigration facility in Broadview and a protester who reported being injured by a flash-bang grenade. Furthermore, federal agents’ conduct during these protests has come under scrutiny, particularly after revelations from senior Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, who described violent encounters amidst the protests.

As Judge Ellis conducts the hearing, she aims to balance the enforcement challenges faced by federal agents with the civil liberties of local residents and demonstrators. The outcome will significantly influence future federal tactics in Chicago, as the judge has signaled her intent to impose immediate changes to current practices if necessary.

In parallel, a federal judge is addressing a related lawsuit concerning the conditions at a Chicago-area immigration facility, describing reports of overcrowding and unsanitary circumstances as “unnecessarily cruel,” with further hearings scheduled shortly.