Federal Judge Restricts Use of Force by Agents Against Protesters and Media in Chicago
A federal judge in Chicago ordered agents to restrict force against peaceful protesters and media, following a lawsuit alleging excessive force during an immigration crackdown.
Overview
- U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued a preliminary injunction in Chicago, ordering federal agents to restrict their use of force against peaceful protesters and media.
- The ruling mandates that federal agents provide two warnings before deploying riot control weapons and only use force when necessary to stop an immediate threat.
- This judicial order stems from a lawsuit filed by news outlets and protesters, alleging excessive force by agents during an immigration crackdown, Operation Midway Blitz.
- Judge Ellis criticized officials for not adhering to prior orders and mandated body cameras, citing a lack of credibility in the government's evidence and arguments.
- The decision followed U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino's admission of lying about tear gas deployment, and President Donald Trump’s administration is expected to appeal the ruling.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally. They focus on reporting the facts of the judge's ruling, detailing its specific limitations on immigration agents' use of force. The coverage includes various perspectives, such as the judge's reasoning, federal officials' justifications, and the defendants' intent to appeal, without adopting a biased stance.
"The Trump administration’s arguments “lack credibility,” and a top Border Patrol official lied while trying to justify the use of tear gas, a judge found Thursday."
Chicago Sun-Times"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."
ABC News"U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis’ ruling comes amid President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement crackdown known as Operation Midway Blitz."
USA TODAY"Ellis said she sees no need for the tactics agents are currently using, saying, "I would find the use of force shocks the conscience.""
CBS NewsArticles (7)
Center (4)
FAQ
Judge Sara Ellis ordered federal agents to give two warnings before using riot control weapons and to only use force when it is objectively necessary to stop an immediate threat. The ruling also requires agents to wear badges and mandates the use of body cameras.
Judge Ellis criticized the officials for not adhering to prior orders, doubted the credibility of the government’s version of events, and cited a Border Patrol commander's admission of lying about tear gas deployment as a key reason for skepticism.
The lawsuit was filed by news outlets and protesters who alleged that federal agents used excessive force during the immigration crackdown called Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago.
Federal agents were criticized for using excessive force including deploying tear gas without warning, instigating chaos, and pushing protesters to the ground during the immigration enforcement operations.
The Trump administration is expected to appeal the preliminary injunction issued by Judge Sara Ellis.
History
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