 agents in the region to begin using body-worn cameras following recent clashes with protesters){kind=link}
A federal judge in Chicago has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the region to begin using body-worn cameras following recent clashes with protesters. U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis issued the order on Oct. 16 after agents reportedly deployed tear gas and other chemical weapons during a demonstration on the city’s Southeast Side.
Judge Raises ‘Serious Concerns’ Over Clashes
Ellis previously imposed restrictions on ICE’s use of non-lethal weapons on Oct. 9. Her new directive came after reviewing images of federal agents aiming non-lethal launchers at unarmed protesters. “I live in Chicago, if folks haven’t noticed. And I’m not blind,” Ellis said in court, expressing alarm over the incident.
Part of Broader Crackdown
The order comes amid “Operation Midway Blitz,” a Trump administration immigration enforcement push in the Chicago area. Homeland Security officials defended the agents’ actions, arguing that some individuals involved assaulted officers. Critics, however, say aggressive tactics have targeted innocent residents and escalated tensions.
Homeland Security Pushes Back
The Department of Homeland Security argued Ellis’ order is “not constitutional,” stating that some ICE agents already use body cameras during planned operations, but full deployment depends on funding. A top DHS official has been ordered to appear in court on Oct. 20 to address compliance.
Expanded Restrictions on Enforcement Tactics
Ellis amended her earlier restraining order to require agents to wear visible identification and issue two warnings before deploying chemical weapons. The measures follow lawsuits from clergy, protesters, and journalists who allege federal agents used excessive force, including a pepper ball shot to the head of a local pastor.
Order Applies Across Chicago Area
The ruling applies to all ICE enforcement actions in the Chicago region, reinforcing constitutional limits on the use of force and crowd control. Ellis wrote that the temporary order essentially directs agents to follow existing training and legal standards.
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