‘The use of force shocks the conscience’: Judge issues sweeping injunction on Chicago tactics of immigration agents
A federal judge in Chicago issued a broad injunction on Thursday, making permanent several restrictions on immigration agents' use of force during “Operation Midway Blitz.” The new ruling replaces a temporary restraining order from early October that was due to expire later that morning.
Judge’s Findings and Criticism
“I find the government’s evidence to be simply not credible,”
stated U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis in her oral ruling. She described several incidents over the past six weeks in which civilians were tear-gassed, beaten, and struck with pepper-spray projectiles by agents acting without restraint.
“The use of force shocks the conscience,”
Ellis emphasized, noting that such behavior “shows no signs of stopping.”
Misconduct by Border Patrol Commander
The judge singled out Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino for providing false testimony about the actions of his agents and himself during these clashes.
“In one of the videos, Bovino obviously attacks and tackles the declarant, Mr. Blackburn, to the ground,”
Ellis said. She pointed out that even after watching this footage, Bovino insisted in his deposition that he had never used force.
Related Developments
Judge Ellis also ordered the release of Bovino’s deposition videos, adding another layer of transparency to the ongoing investigation into federal law enforcement conduct during the Chicago operations.
Author’s Summary
Judge Sara Ellis imposed lasting limits on immigration agents in Chicago after exposing false testimony and repeated violent acts under Operation Midway Blitz.