Federal Judge Orders Release of Hundreds of Immigrants Arrested During Chicago Raids
A US district judge has ordered the release of hundreds of people who were arrested during aggressive immigration raids across Chicago, which were launched by the Trump administration earlier this year. The decision comes after a federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of immigrants detained during the raids.
Judge Jeffrey Cummings has ruled that the 615 individuals can be released from custody if they meet certain conditions. These include paying a $1,500 bond and not having any prior criminal history or removal orders. The order also prohibits government officials from pressuring detainees into agreeing to voluntary deportation while their cases are pending.
According to court documents, 13 immigrants will be immediately released under the terms of the order. However, it is estimated that over 600 additional individuals may be released in a week on bond or ankle monitoring.
The decision has been hailed as a victory by immigration advocates, who argue that federal agents violated agreements governing warrantless arrests in the Chicago area. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigrant Justice Center filed a lawsuit against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over allegations of human rights abuses during the raids.
The court's decision also prohibits government officials from using excessive force, including deploying tear gas and pepper spray, against protesters. Immigration advocates have criticized the Trump administration for launching an aggressive crackdown on immigrants in Chicago, citing concerns about safety and accountability.
A justice department lawyer has requested that Judge Cummings halt any release orders to allow more time for vetting of the individuals, but the judge has ordered both parties to file a status report by November 21.
A US district judge has ordered the release of hundreds of people who were arrested during aggressive immigration raids across Chicago, which were launched by the Trump administration earlier this year. The decision comes after a federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of immigrants detained during the raids.
Judge Jeffrey Cummings has ruled that the 615 individuals can be released from custody if they meet certain conditions. These include paying a $1,500 bond and not having any prior criminal history or removal orders. The order also prohibits government officials from pressuring detainees into agreeing to voluntary deportation while their cases are pending.
According to court documents, 13 immigrants will be immediately released under the terms of the order. However, it is estimated that over 600 additional individuals may be released in a week on bond or ankle monitoring.
The decision has been hailed as a victory by immigration advocates, who argue that federal agents violated agreements governing warrantless arrests in the Chicago area. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigrant Justice Center filed a lawsuit against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over allegations of human rights abuses during the raids.
The court's decision also prohibits government officials from using excessive force, including deploying tear gas and pepper spray, against protesters. Immigration advocates have criticized the Trump administration for launching an aggressive crackdown on immigrants in Chicago, citing concerns about safety and accountability.
A justice department lawyer has requested that Judge Cummings halt any release orders to allow more time for vetting of the individuals, but the judge has ordered both parties to file a status report by November 21.