A federal judge is set to review a lawsuit on Wednesday that challenges the use of force by ICE against protesters and journalists in Chicago.
The lawsuit, which includes ABC7 and other media personnel as plaintiffs, accuses federal agents of infringing on First Amendment rights.
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Protesters are planning to gather outside the federal courthouse this morning, demonstrating their opposition to the actions of federal immigration agents.
This legal proceeding coincides with the judge’s upcoming decision on whether to impose stricter limitations on federal agents as part of Operation Midway Blitz.
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The current request aims to prohibit agents from using chemical agents en masse during operations.
Under an existing federal court order, agents are required to issue at least two verbal warnings before deploying tear gas.
Agents are also ordered to wear body cameras to capture interactions with the public.
Attorneys have cited violent clashes between agents and demonstrators, including a confrontation last week in Evanston, as a violation of the judge’s orders.
Government lawyers argue agents have a right to protect themselves.
Body camera video showing agents’ actions will be reviewed in court, along with some of Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino’s sworn testimony, after he was seen lobbing tear gas into a Little Village crowd.
DHS argues Bovino was hit with a rock.
Wednesday’s hearing is expected to last most of the day.
So far, officials say more than 3,200 people have been arrested as part of Operation Midway Blitz.
