Protests continue at Illinois ICE processing center
Share this @internewscast.com

A federal judge in Chicago has temporarily barred the Department of Homeland Security from using crowd control weapons like tear gas and pepper balls on local journalists who are covering the Trump administration’s confrontations with demonstrators.

A suit filed earlier this week by news outlets and media associations, among others, claimed that federal agents used “indiscriminate” force and interfered with the freedoms of the press. Critics have accused the federal government of employing excessive force while attempting to control crowds at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in suburban Broadview.

Several journalists say they’ve been hit with rubber bullets or other projectiles and tear-gassed, according to the suit.

The order Thursday from U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis prohibits DHS personnel, including ICE officers and Border Patrol agents, from “dispersing, arresting, threatening to arrest, threatening or using physical force against any person whom they know or reasonably should know is a journalist.”

The judge’s 14-day temporary restraining order lays out conditions under which federal authorities can make exceptions, such as when they have probable cause to believe a journalist has committed a crime.

Federal agents should recognize journalists by visual identification cues, such as press credentials, patches, and videography equipment, said the judge, who also suggested that people “standing off to the side of a protest, not engaging in chanting, sign holding, shouting slogans” may be members of the media.

The temporary order, which covers the Northern District of Illinois, also requires federal agents to wear “visible identification” unless they are plainclothes or undercover agents.

DHS officials say their agents have been endangered by violent protesters in Chicago but “take every reasonable precaution” to protect First Amendment rights.

“The First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly not rioting,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told The Washington Post.

Clashes between protesters and federal authorities have occurred since the Trump administration last month sent a surge of resources to Chicago, a sanctuary city, to enforce immigration laws.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

King University Angler Achieves National Spotlight: A Rising Star in Competitive Fishing

Bristol, Tenn. — King University’s own Makenzie Irwin has been honored on…

Parent Issued Citation for Carrying Holstered Firearm on Fairmont Elementary Grounds

In an unexpected incident at Fairmont Elementary School in Johnson City, Tennessee,…

Affidavit Unveils New Insights into Bristol Double Homicide

A newly obtained set of court documents has shed light on a…

Russell County Drug Bust: 23 Individuals Indicted in Major Crackdown, Sheriff Reports

In Russell County, Virginia, law enforcement authorities, including Sheriff William J. Watson…

Asian Markets Show Mixed Trends as Wall Street Nears Record Levels

In the bustling financial hub of Manila, Asian stock markets presented a…

Johnson City Greenlights Promenade Development: What This Means for Local Growth and Economy

In a decisive move, the Johnson City commissioners have given unanimous approval…

US Health Department Launches New Initiative to Boost AI Technology Integration

NEW YORK – In a move to harness the burgeoning power of…

Georgia Residents Apprehended in Russell County Phone Scam Bust

Two men from Georgia have been taken into custody following an investigation…

Revitalized Albert Park Reopens in Orlando’s College Park with Exciting Upgrades

In a joyful celebration, a beloved park in the College Park neighborhood…

Supreme Court Approves Controversial Texas Voting Map for 2026 Elections

In a recent decision, a divided Supreme Court has sided with Texas…

Rory McIlroy’s Late Birdie Surge Secures Weekend Spot at Australian Open

MELBOURNE – Amidst a touch of back-nine excitement at Royal Melbourne, Rory…

Tragic Golf Cart Accident in Florida: Man Faces DUI Charges Following Wife’s Death

NOCATEE, Fla. – A tragic golf cart accident in St. Johns County…