A federal judge in Chicago questioned immigration authorities about whether they violated a court order with their continued use of tear gas and violent tactics against protesters and journalists in the area. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis had previously ruled that immigration agents were not allowed to use tear gas on protesters who pose no threat.
However, incidents have continued, drawing a rebuke from Ellis. She has also ordered that federal agents wear and use their body cameras. The hearing comes as immigration enforcement has surged in the Chicago area as part of Operation Midway Blitz, which has led to over 1,500 arrests across Illinois.
The judge asked Customs and Border Protection official Kyle C. Harvick about the responsibilities of CBP agents, how his previous order was disseminated, and what training officers have received. He also questioned specific incidents where he had concerns about CBP’s tactics.
Harvick testified that all 230 CBP officers in the Chicago area now have body-worn cameras and are being trained in crowd control. However, Ellis expressed concern that the TRO (temporary restraining order) wasn’t being followed, particularly in instances where tear gas was deployed after her order restricting its use.
Community members have formed groups to monitor activity from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection in an attempt to protect their city from government overreach. The confrontations between protesters and federal immigration agents have escalated, with instances of federal agents using tear gas in Chicago neighborhoods.
The court hearing is a response to the recent incidents, which have led to an increase in demonstrations against President Donald Trump in Chicago.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/judge-demands-answers-federal-authorities-continued-use-tear-gas-chica-rcna238625