A US district judge has ruled that federal agents in Chicago must restrict their use of force against peaceful protesters and members of the media, stating that current practices violate constitutional rights. The preliminary injunction, issued by Judge Sara Ellis, comes in response to a lawsuit alleging excessive force during immigration crackdowns in the area.
The ruling refines an earlier temporary order requiring agents to wear badges and banning certain riot-control techniques, such as teargas, against peaceful protesters and journalists. Judge Ellis added a requirement for body cameras after repeatedly criticising federal officials for failing to comply with previous orders.
During the hearing, Judge Ellis described Chicago as a “vibrant place” and read Carl Sandburg’s poem about the city. She rejected claims that the Chicago area is a violent place of rioters, stating, “I don’t find defendants’ version of events credible.” She noted that protesters and advocates faced teargas, had guns pointed at them, and were thrown to the ground, which would deter anyone from exercising fundamental rights.
The injunction follows emotional testimony from witnesses who described being shot with pepper balls while praying and having guns pointed at them while recording agents. Witnesses expressed anxiety about returning to protests, with one youth organiser telling the court, “I get really nervous because it just feels like I’m not safe.” Attorneys also played footage of a senior border patrol official defending agents’ use of force and evading questions about tactics.
