CHICAGO (AP) — A federal judge said Thursday she will order federal agents in Chicago to restrict using force against peaceful protesters and news media outlets, saying current practices violate their constitutional rights.
The preliminary injunction came in response to a lawsuit alleging federal agents have used excessive force in their immigration crackdown in the Chicago area.
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis’s ruling, which is expected to be appealed by President Donald Trump’s administration, refines an earlier temporary order that required agents to wear badges and banned them from using certain riot-control techniques, such as tear gas, against peaceful protesters and journalists. After repeatedly chastising federal officials for not following her previous orders, she added a requirement for body cameras.
Ellis described Chicago as a “vibrant place” and said it is “simply untrue” that the area is a violent place of rioters. A day earlier, attorneys for both sides clashed in court over incidents during the immigration enforcement that started in September, including one where a Border Patrol commander threw a canister of tear gas at a crowd.
“I don’t find defendants’ version of events credible,” Ellis said.
Ellis mandated that agents must issue two warnings before deploying riot control weapons and clarified that they can only use force if it is “objectively necessary to stop an immediate threat.”
She further highlighted the psychological impact these actions have on protesters and advocates, causing anxiety and fear regarding their safety when exercising their rights. This sentiment was echoed by witnesses, including youth organizer Leslie Cortez, who expressed her concerns about the safety of attending protests.
The injunction stems from a lawsuit filed by news outlets and protesters who claim that federal agents have exercised excessive force during demonstrations.
An attorney representing the federal government mentioned that senior Border Patrol official Greg Bovino has been required to wear a body camera following the judge's previous orders. However, skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness and accountability of federal actions during protests.
