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
Jalen Brunson scores 40 points, Knicks advance to NBA Cup Final with win vs. Magic

Jalen Brunson’s Stellar 40-Point Performance Propels Knicks to NBA Cup Final Triumph Over Magic

The Knicks may not have initially set their sights on this particular…
One person killed after U-Haul truck explodes in Idaho retail shopping center parking lot

Tragic U-Haul Explosion Claims Life in Idaho Shopping Center Parking Lot

Tragedy struck early Saturday morning when a U-Haul truck exploded, resulting in…
Tommy Davidson at Chicago Improv comedy club in Schaumburg, Illinois, Stuff the Bus for toy drive, 2025 Christmas recipes and more

Tommy Davidson Takes the Stage at Chicago Improv: Join the Laughs and Support a Toy Drive!

In a vibrant start to this week’s episode, ABC7’s Rob Hughes reported…
Israel announces it killed one of the architects of the Oct. 7 attacks

Israel Confirms Elimination of Key Planner Behind October 7th Attacks

On Saturday, Israel reported the elimination of Ra’ad Sa’ad, a pivotal figure…
RICHARD JOHNSON: Luigi Mangione obeying ‘all the rules’ in jail, counseling other inmates

Richard Johnson: Luigi Mangione Sets Positive Example in Jail, Offers Guidance to Fellow Inmates

Luigi Mangione, currently on trial for the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, Brian…
12 Dead in Sydney Terror Attack As Gunmen Target Jewish Families at Bondi Beach Hanukkah Gathering

Tragedy at Bondi Beach: Terror Attack Claims Lives at Hanukkah Celebration in Sydney

Tragedy struck Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday evening when at least 12…
Brown University reports active shooter on campus

Brown University Campus Lockdown: Authorities Respond to Active Shooter Alert

On a tense Saturday afternoon, Brown University found itself at the center…
At least 10 dead after mass shooting during Hanukkah event on Australia's Bondi Beach

Israeli Leaders Criticize Australian Authorities Following Bondi Beach Shooting: ‘Ignored Warning Signs

In the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Sydney, Australian government officials…
Christmas in the Wards at McCormick Place in the Loop and Lombard, Illinois toy drive warm hearts amid cold Chicago weather

Heartwarming Holiday Cheer: McCormick Place & Lombard Toy Drive Brightens Cold Chicago Days

CHICAGO (WLS) — The icy grip of winter has transformed Chicago into…
Khloé Kardashian fires back at 'gross commentary' about Tristan Thompson's disabled brother attending dance class

Khloé Kardashian Slams Critics: Defends Tristan Thompson’s Brother Amid Dance Class Controversy

Khloé Kardashian has responded forcefully to what she describes as “gross commentary”…
Iowa National Guard soldiers identified as victims in deadly Syria ISIS attack

Iowa National Guard Soldiers Tragically Killed in Syria ISIS Attack Identified

According to a senior U.S. official speaking to Fox News, the U.S.…
Europe 'literally being flooded with cocaine' as narco-subs evade detection crossing Atlantic

European Cocaine Crisis: Narco-Subs Fuel Unprecedented Surge as Traffickers Evade Atlantic Detection

As the United States intensifies its offensive against suspected drug-trafficking vessels, launching…