UPDATE: A Chicago judge has delivered a scathing rebuke to U.S. Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino following the deployment of tear gas in a neighborhood where children were preparing for a Halloween parade. The incident, which occurred over the weekend in Old Irving Park, violated a previous court order that restricted the use of such chemicals unless federal officers face immediate danger.
During a tense court appearance on October 31, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis expressed her outrage, stating that Border Patrol agents had broken her restraining order prohibiting riot control weapons against individuals not posing a threat. “These kids, you can imagine, their sense of safety was shattered,” Ellis emphasized, highlighting the emotional toll on the local community.
Ellis scrutinized Bovino regarding multiple allegations of excessive force by federal immigration agents in recent weeks, including a disturbing incident where agents pointed a gun at a peaceful protestor. When pressed for details about the incident, Bovino admitted ignorance, prompting Ellis to assert that this breach of protocol was “on its face” a violation of her orders.
The judge also referenced disturbing video footage from the recent operation, which showed agents placing a U.S. citizen in a chokehold after he inquired about their actions. Bovino conceded that such use of force was not justified.
The tear gas deployment, which occurred as families gathered for the annual Halloween celebration, drew immediate condemnation. “That’s not how any of us want to live,” Ellis said, reminding Bovino that children should feel safe attending local events without fearing tear gas.
The federal operation targeted Luis Villegas, an undocumented immigrant brought to the U.S. at the age of four. Witnesses reported that Border Patrol agents used tear gas after community members confronted them, demanding their departure. A local resident and former Cook County prosecutor stated that the agents faced no real threat during the operation.
In response to this incident, Judge Ellis ordered Bovino to report daily to her courtroom to discuss his agents’ actions moving forward. She mandated that all officers be equipped with body cameras and required submission of reports on use of force incidents along with corresponding footage by Friday.
A crucial hearing to determine whether to make Ellis’ restraining order permanent is scheduled for November 5, 2023. The judge’s firm stance signals a significant judicial pushback against the federal immigration enforcement tactics in Chicago.
As this story develops, many are left questioning the future of local safety and the impact of federal actions on community events. The fallout from this incident could reshape the conversation around immigration enforcement practices in urban settings. Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation unfolds.
