Interim head of Chicago ICE field office, Russell Hott, called to testify on feds' use of force, heading back to Washington
Share this @internewscast.com

The interim director of the Chicago U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Field Office is set to return to Washington this Friday, following his recent involvement in a federal inquiry into the use of force by federal agents.

This development was revealed in a court document concerning a hearing scheduled for Monday, which required the appearance of Russell Hott.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

During a court session on Thursday, attended by the ABC7 Chicago I-Team, a judge expressed serious concerns about the actions of federal agents during a recent immigration enforcement operation.

Hott had been summoned to testify regarding several incidents where agents were accused of defying a court order by using tear gas on peaceful demonstrators without prior warning.

However, the Department of Justice is now seeking testimony from Customs and Border Protection Deputy Incident Commander Kyle Harvick on these possible infractions.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on Friday clarifying that “Russell Hott is the permanent Field Office Director (FOD) for Washington, DC, not Chicago. His stint in Chicago was temporary, and he is returning to his permanent role in DC. Samuel Olson, previously the Chicago and now the St. Paul FOD, will take over as interim FOD in Chicago.”

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis modified an already existing temporary restraining order, or TRO, in place to require all agents working under “Operation Midway Blitz” who have already been issued body cameras to wear them and keep them on during “law enforcement activities” in Chicago.

In addition to Monday’s hearing, Judge Ellis also set a Nov. 5 date for a preliminary injunction hearing to decide whether the TRO will remain in effect for a longer period.

Judge Ellis told the parties the “ideological motivation” behind the Administration’s so-called Operation Midway Blitz is, so far, “irrelevant” to this case. Rather, the judge is focused on how agents are enforcing the law, and whether it’s violating people’s constitutional rights.

“What I’m looking at is how are these agents enforcing the law?” Ellis said. “Are they doing so in a manner that is violating other people’s constitutional rights? If that is happening, that needs to stop.”

The video in the player above is from an earlier report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
SJSO weighs in on Meta's new safety features for teen accounts

St. Johns Sheriff’s Office Reviews Meta’s Enhanced Safety Tools for Teens

Understanding the latest enhancements to parental controls on teen accounts is crucial,…
At Least 135 Mutilated Palestinian Bodies Traced to Israeli Prison Accused of Torture

135 Palestinian Bodies Found: Investigation Launched into Alleged Israeli Prison Abuses

In a disturbing development, Gaza health authorities report that 135 bodies of…
Group faces loss of Northwestern University student status for refusing mandatory anti-bias training, which mentions Israel

Northwestern University Student Group Risks Derecognition Over Mandatory Anti-Bias Training Dispute Involving Israel Content

In Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University has announced that up to 16 students…
University fires Turning Point USA table flipper from teaching assistant role after campus outburst

University Dismisses Teaching Assistant Following Viral Turning Point USA Confrontation

An Illinois State University teaching assistant has been dismissed following an incident…
One of the world's rarest whales that makes the Atlantic its home grows in population

Atlantic’s Rare Right Whale Population Sees Promising Growth: A Conservation Success

PORTLAND, Maine — In an optimistic turn for marine conservation, one of…
Suspect in 2021 restaurant murder acquitted

2021 Restaurant Murder Case: Suspect Walks Free After Acquittal

Jacksonville authorities arrived at the scene of a shooting at the Hyatt…
Man arrested, accused of trying to smuggle drugs into Ware County Jail

Attempted Drug Smuggling Foiled at Ware County Jail: Suspect in Custody

In a bold and unusual attempt to smuggle drugs into a correctional…
Palatka student arrested for written death threats

Palatka Student Faces Arrest Over Alleged Threatening Messages

A 12-year-old from Palatka Junior-Senior High School is now facing serious legal…
Man who sent 'So I raped you' message sentenced to 2 to 4 years for 2013 campus assault

Man Sentenced to 2-4 Years in Prison for 2013 Campus Assault Following Disturbing Message

In a case that underscores the challenges faced by victims of campus…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson discuses budget plan, lawsuit against President Donald Trump

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Outlines Budget Strategy and Addresses Lawsuit Against Former President Donald Trump

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson has introduced a $16.6 billion budget…
The time is now to unleash Jaxson Dart on your fantasy football league

Now is the Moment to Introduce Jaxson Dart to Your Fantasy Football Lineup

The Denver Broncos’ thrilling comeback against the New York Giants on Sunday…
Crypto Scam warning: North Carolina man's account drained of $80,00 after he clicked on a link for a virtual meeting

Beware: North Carolina Resident Loses $80,000 to Crypto Scam After Clicking Virtual Meeting Link

Kenneth Nicholson, a Durham, North Carolina native, is deeply immersed in the…