Judge Orders ICE Official to Testify After Chicago Tear-Gassing Incident: A Deep Concern for Violations and Accountability
A federal judge expressed profound concern over apparent violations by federal agents of a temporary restraining order she issued last week, which restricted the use of tear gas and other riot control weapons against journalists and protesters in Chicago. Judge Sara Ellis of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has taken decisive action, ordering Russell Hott, director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office in Chicago, to appear before her on Monday. Hott will be questioned about incidents where agents clashed with residents and protesters over the past few days.
Ellis expanded her temporary restraining order to mandate that federal agents equipped with body-worn cameras wear and activate them during 'law enforcement activities' in Chicago. This decision was influenced by the recent incident on the Southeast Side, where Border Patrol agents were involved in a vehicle crash while chasing a man they claimed was in the country illegally. The agents deployed tear gas on a crowd, leading to the detention of Warren King, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen.
King recounted his experience to ABC News, stating that he was shopping when agents tackled him to the ground, detaining him for hours despite his protests that he was an American citizen. Ellis emphasized the importance of crowd control in densely populated urban areas and the need for federal agents to adhere to constitutional obligations. She expressed deep concern about the recent events since issuing her order.
However, the Department of Homeland Security's attorney, Sean Skedzielewski, argued that Ellis lacks full knowledge of the incidents and relies on inaccurate news reports. Skedzielewski also mentioned the challenge of providing body cameras to all agents due to the ongoing government shutdown and the fluctuating number of agents.
Ellis countered that body cameras are crucial for government accountability and ensuring her orders are followed. She believes this will benefit the agency and help address any concerns or violations. The case prompting the temporary restraining order was filed by journalists and religious leaders against the Department of Justice, DHS, and other federal entities, alleging violations of constitutional protections.
The Southeast Side incident is the latest in a series of incidents that have outraged Chicago's elected leaders and community groups. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the federal immigration crackdown, describing it as 'creating mayhem.' He supported Judge Ellis's decision to mandate body cameras for federal agents, accusing them of lying about incidents.
The incident involving Debbie Brockman, a WGN-TV employee, further highlights the tensions. Brockman was detained by Border Patrol agents who claimed she threw something at them, despite her being a U.S. citizen. The DHS provided a different account, alleging that agents were blocked by 'violent agitators' and that Brockman assaulted a federal officer. The incident involving Marimar Martinez, who was shot by Border Patrol agents, also sparked controversy. Martinez pleaded not guilty to assault charges, with her attorney disputing the government's allegations based on body-worn camera footage.
These incidents have sparked discussions about federal agent conduct, accountability, and the impact of the government shutdown on law enforcement operations.
