Footage released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to justify the actions of Border Patrol agents who used tear gas to disperse a disorderly crowd during a recent immigration raid in Chicago. The crowd, at times, hurled insults and projectiles, including rocks, at the officers, according to the DHS.
During the enforcement operation on October 23, Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino deployed a tear gas canister. This action led to a lawsuit from local media outlets and protest groups accusing him of breaching a temporary restraining order. This order prohibits federal agents from using chemical agents on protesters unless there is an imminent threat or two prior warnings have been issued.
Chief Bovino appeared in federal court on Tuesday to address questions about this incident and other tear gas uses in the city.
A split image highlights the confrontation between protesters and Border Patrol agents during the immigration raid in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. It also features Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, who oversaw the operation, and later testified in court amidst allegations of unauthorized tear gas use.
The DHS shared the footage on X, depicting Border Patrol agents under duress during the raid in Little Village. This Southwest Side area, also known as “La Villita,” is renowned for its large Mexican-American community, one of the most significant in the Midwest.
The DHS’s post accompanying the video simply stated, “VIDEO EVIDENCE.”
The footage opens with an aerial drone shot of what the agency said were four suspected gang members who had boxed in a Border Patrol vehicle prior to the stop. DHS said the suspects fled down an alley, switched license plates and retrieved high-powered weapons.
The video then shows agents pulling a suspect out of a white box truck before being confronted by two onlookers shouting expletives at officers.
Protesters gather around Border Patrol vehicles during an Oct. 23 immigration raid in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. The crowd later clashed with agents, leading to the deployment of tear gas, according to DHS. (Department of Homeland Security)
“Call the guys so they can come bro,” the woman says to a male wearing black clothing, a mask and a hooded sweatshirt.
Chaotic scenes then unfold as dozens of protesters swarmed the area and confronted the federal agents, the footage shows. DHS said that up to 100 “rioters” surrounded law enforcement agents who can be repeatedly heard ordering the crowd to “back up.”
“Rioters then shot at agents with commercial artillery shell fireworks,” DHS said in the X post. “A Border Patrol transport van carrying illegal aliens attempting to get to the safety of the perimeter was then attacked.”
The crowd grows louder and more hostile, shouting expletives and filming agents with their cell phones. One person can be seen waving a Mexican flag.
U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino pushes through a crowd of media and protesters while entering the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago on Oct. 28, 2025. (Jamie Kelter Davis/Getty Images)
The DHS video shows an unknown liquid being thrown toward officers, followed by an object that strikes them.
Moments later, a rock is hurled in Bovino’s direction. DHS said the object struck him on the head.
An artillery-shell-style firework was also fired toward agents as the crowd continued to advance, all the while agents could be heard shouting, “Get off the street!”
One demonstrator can be heard responding, “No, this is my street,” as another rock is thrown at officers before an agent warns, “Get back or you will be gassed.”
Bovino then deploys tear gas and an aerial shot shows the crowd dispersing.
An aerial image shows protesters fleeing as Border Patrol agents deploy tear gas during an immigration raid in Chicago’s Little Village on Oct. 23, 2025. (Department of Homeland Security)
“The use of chemical munitions was conducted in full accordance with CBP policy and was necessary to ensure the safety of both law enforcement and the public,” DHS said. “Border Patrol agents repeated multiple warnings to back up and that chemical agents would be deployed if warnings were ignored.”
The video also shows a man vandalizing a government vehicle with what DHS said were gang markings, while another suspect is seen puncturing the tire of a government vehicle with a large knife.
The DHS video was posted on X after another user alleged agents used tear gas without warning during the Oct. 23 immigration raid.
A protester is seen allegedly throwing a rock toward Border Patrol agents during an Oct. 23 immigration raid in Chicago’s Little Village, according to DHS footage. (Department of Homeland Security)
The immigration raid took place under Operation Midway Blitz, a joint immigration enforcement campaign by ICE and Border Patrol in the Chicago area aimed at apprehending criminal illegal immigrants and fugitives with prior deportation orders.
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama and put in place the temporary restraining order, imposed new oversight measures on Bovino Tuesday, ordering him to provide daily reports to the court.
The judge denied Bovino’s request to loosen restrictions on tear gas use, insisting agents must provide clear warnings and justification before using chemical agents.
