Federal Judge Orders Senior Border Patrol Official to Report Daily from Chicago Courtroom
A federal judge has ordered Gregory Bovino, the senior border patrol official leading the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Chicago, to report to court every weekday to provide an update on the day's incidents. The unusual order aims to impose oversight over the government's militarized raids in the city.
During a brief hearing, US District Judge Sara Ellis told Bovino that using riot control gear against non-threatening individuals is excessive and unjustified. She cited an incident where federal agents deployed chemical irritants against residents, including children dressed in Halloween costumes, during a parade in Little Village neighborhood. This action has raised concerns about the government's use of force and its impact on local communities.
Bovino agreed to each request made by Judge Ellis, including wearing a body camera and completing training on its use. The judge emphasized that Bovino's role is to ensure agents are enforcing laws consistent with the Constitution, rather than imposing their own interpretation.
The decision comes as part of several attempts to curb excessive force used by federal agents in Chicago. Since September, at least 3,000 arrests have been made as part of "Operation Midway Blitz." Critics argue that the use of riot control gear and tear gas against protesters and civilians is unjustified and poses a threat to public safety.
The incident highlighted Ellis's frustration with Bovino's actions, particularly when he used tear gas in Little Village neighborhood. She questioned his judgment, stating that the use of force "shattered" the sense of safety for local residents, especially children.
Bovino, who oversees border patrol operations along the US-Mexico border, has become a key figure in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. His actions have raised concerns about the militarization of urban communities and the impact on public safety.
As part of his new role, Bovino will be required to report daily from court, providing an update on incidents involving federal agents. This move is seen as a necessary step to ensure transparency and accountability in the government's enforcement efforts.
A federal judge has ordered Gregory Bovino, the senior border patrol official leading the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Chicago, to report to court every weekday to provide an update on the day's incidents. The unusual order aims to impose oversight over the government's militarized raids in the city.
During a brief hearing, US District Judge Sara Ellis told Bovino that using riot control gear against non-threatening individuals is excessive and unjustified. She cited an incident where federal agents deployed chemical irritants against residents, including children dressed in Halloween costumes, during a parade in Little Village neighborhood. This action has raised concerns about the government's use of force and its impact on local communities.
Bovino agreed to each request made by Judge Ellis, including wearing a body camera and completing training on its use. The judge emphasized that Bovino's role is to ensure agents are enforcing laws consistent with the Constitution, rather than imposing their own interpretation.
The decision comes as part of several attempts to curb excessive force used by federal agents in Chicago. Since September, at least 3,000 arrests have been made as part of "Operation Midway Blitz." Critics argue that the use of riot control gear and tear gas against protesters and civilians is unjustified and poses a threat to public safety.
The incident highlighted Ellis's frustration with Bovino's actions, particularly when he used tear gas in Little Village neighborhood. She questioned his judgment, stating that the use of force "shattered" the sense of safety for local residents, especially children.
Bovino, who oversees border patrol operations along the US-Mexico border, has become a key figure in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. His actions have raised concerns about the militarization of urban communities and the impact on public safety.
As part of his new role, Bovino will be required to report daily from court, providing an update on incidents involving federal agents. This move is seen as a necessary step to ensure transparency and accountability in the government's enforcement efforts.