Chicago Deportation Campaign: Judge Sets Stage for March Trial Amid Widespread Agent Return
A federal judge presiding over a case challenging the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) aggressive deportation tactics in Chicago is moving forward with a trial scheduled to take place on March 2. The trial could potentially lead to more permanent changes in how DHS operates during its enforcement efforts.
According to reports, thousands of U.S. Border Patrol agents are expected to return to the city in March, more than four times the number that have been stationed there recently. This sudden influx has raised concerns about potential increased use of force against protesters and journalists.
Judge Sara Ellis expressed her intention to proceed with the trial despite assurances from Justice Department lawyers that operations are undergoing normal changes. However, Ellis remains vigilant, anticipating any surge in enforcement activities ahead of the spring.
The case at hand centers on the feds' use of force during a deportation push, which has drawn attention for its aggressive tactics against protesters and journalists. Media organizations including the Chicago Headline Club, Block Club Chicago, and the Chicago Newspaper Guild have joined forces to challenge these actions.
In recent days, DHS officials claimed that "Operation Midway Blitz" would continue despite reports suggesting that agents were leaving town. However, lawyers representing the plaintiffs are awaiting written support from Ellis for her preliminary injunction order, which restricts the use of certain tactics and requires agents to display identification numbers.
The situation has become increasingly complex with the Trump administration's request to intervene in the case before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The administration argues that Ellis' ruling is "overbroad and unworkable" and poses a threat to federal officers' safety.
As lawyers continue to wait for written opinions from Ellis, they are also monitoring developments related to unsealing evidence in connection with the case. This could potentially happen as early as November 24, when video footage may become publicly available.
The trial on March 2 promises to be a pivotal moment in determining how DHS operates during future enforcement efforts, with the potential for a more permanent ruling that could affect the use of force against protesters and journalists nationwide.
A federal judge presiding over a case challenging the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) aggressive deportation tactics in Chicago is moving forward with a trial scheduled to take place on March 2. The trial could potentially lead to more permanent changes in how DHS operates during its enforcement efforts.
According to reports, thousands of U.S. Border Patrol agents are expected to return to the city in March, more than four times the number that have been stationed there recently. This sudden influx has raised concerns about potential increased use of force against protesters and journalists.
Judge Sara Ellis expressed her intention to proceed with the trial despite assurances from Justice Department lawyers that operations are undergoing normal changes. However, Ellis remains vigilant, anticipating any surge in enforcement activities ahead of the spring.
The case at hand centers on the feds' use of force during a deportation push, which has drawn attention for its aggressive tactics against protesters and journalists. Media organizations including the Chicago Headline Club, Block Club Chicago, and the Chicago Newspaper Guild have joined forces to challenge these actions.
In recent days, DHS officials claimed that "Operation Midway Blitz" would continue despite reports suggesting that agents were leaving town. However, lawyers representing the plaintiffs are awaiting written support from Ellis for her preliminary injunction order, which restricts the use of certain tactics and requires agents to display identification numbers.
The situation has become increasingly complex with the Trump administration's request to intervene in the case before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The administration argues that Ellis' ruling is "overbroad and unworkable" and poses a threat to federal officers' safety.
As lawyers continue to wait for written opinions from Ellis, they are also monitoring developments related to unsealing evidence in connection with the case. This could potentially happen as early as November 24, when video footage may become publicly available.
The trial on March 2 promises to be a pivotal moment in determining how DHS operates during future enforcement efforts, with the potential for a more permanent ruling that could affect the use of force against protesters and journalists nationwide.