CHICAGO — A prominent Chicago law firm is set to hold a press conference on Thursday to urge the appointment of a special prosecutor to scrutinize the use of force by federal agents during immigration enforcement operations last fall.
The law firm Loevy & Loevy is spearheading this initiative and plans to address the public at noon in Federal Plaza. They are joined by a coalition that includes over 200 elected officials, community organizations, attorneys, and religious leaders.
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The coalition is advocating for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the actions of federal agents during what has been dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz.” Despite their efforts, they face significant opposition from higher authorities.
Loevy & Loevy allege that agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) engaged in assault and battery against peaceful citizens, clergy members, and journalists. They also claim that agents illegally detained an elected official and others, deployed tear gas in neighborhoods, and shot multiple individuals, resulting in at least one fatality.
According to the firm, “An independent, special prosecutor is essential to ensure accountability in Cook County.”
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However, Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke has expressed concerns, stating that the petition for a special prosecutor could complicate the process of prosecuting and convicting federal agents accused of legal violations.
O’Neill Burke said in part, “The stakes are too high for us to get this wrong, and I will strenuously oppose this petition.”
Last month, her office outlined protocol for charging federal agents that would apply to cases involving a death, shooting, act of violence or use of force incident, related to federal immigration enforcement.
The call for appointing a special prosecutor to go after federal agents who may have committed crimes is an effort for accountability but it’s practically unheard of.
Any potential charges against agents during the Trump administration are expected to be fraught with legal challenges.
The coalition on Thursday morning submitted a petition to the chief judge of the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
The petition was signed by nearly 250 people and organizations.
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