US Border Chief Faces Chicago Court Over Tear Gas Use
A federal judge criticized U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino during a Chicago court hearing for allegedly violating a court order concerning the use of tear gas. This incident is part of a broader enforcement issue related to President Trump’s immigration policies in Chicago.
Court Proceedings Against Border Patrol Official
On October 28, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis expressed concern regarding the actions of Bovino. The judge indicated that video evidence suggested the Border Patrol may have exceeded legal limits while managing protests against immigration enforcement efforts.
Details of the Incident
Videos presented in court showed Bovino deploying tear gas in residential areas, which may breach a previous court ruling. Judge Ellis highlighted a particular incident that occurred in Old Irving Park, where residents were reportedly tackled, and tear gas was used without warning. Witness accounts emphasized that children en route to a Halloween parade were among those affected.
- Judge Ellis called it inappropriate to use tear gas on peaceful civilians, particularly children.
- Bovino admitted he had not received training or a body camera, despite claiming that most agents in Chicago were equipped with them.
Legal and Political Context
The session arose from a lawsuit initiated by protesters, journalists, and clergy alleging they faced targeted aggression from federal agents. This scrutiny follows the Trump administration’s “Operation Midway Blitz,” which has intensified federal immigration enforcement in the city.
In response to criticism, U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended the actions of agents, claiming they faced threats from protesters, such as rocks and fireworks before deploying tear gas.
Ongoing Challenges in Immigration Enforcement
Judge Ellis had previously ruled that federal agents must wear visible identification and limit the usage of riot-control tactics. She reiterated that all agents should activate body cameras during immigration enforcement actions.
As the Trump administration’s aggressive policies spark widespread protests, legal challenges continue to mount. Judge Ellis’s latest ruling reflects an ongoing effort to balance law enforcement actions with the rights of citizens and demonstrators in Chicago.
