US District Judge Sara Ellis has expanded her restraining order on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, requiring all federal agents participating in Operation Midway Blitz to wear body cameras during encounters with protesters. The move comes after Ellis expressed concerns that the Trump administration may not be following her previous instructions to calm tensions between federal agents and peaceful protesters.
Ellis initially required body cameras but agreed to some flexibility due to logistical concerns. However, she believes the lack of transparency is a concern for her order being followed. The judge’s decision blocks agents from targeting journalists who are not interfering with law enforcement and prohibits the use of tear gas and less-lethal munitions on anyone without an “immediate threat to safety.”
The expansion of the restraining order comes after a series of incidents in which protesters were injured, including multiple reports of pepper balls being fired at reporters. Ellis demanded that ICE Field Director Russell Hott appear in court on Monday to explain why she saw images of tear gas being deployed despite her previous orders.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed support for the judge’s decision, stating that agents should wear body cameras “because they clearly lie about what goes on.”
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/10/16/us/illinois-judge-trump-chicago-protesters