CHICAGO — Protesters and journalists have decided to drop their lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security concerning allegations of excessive force during “Operation Midway Blitz,” as federal agents have largely withdrawn from the city.
Autumn Reidy-Hamer, a plaintiff from Oak Park who experienced tear gas on two occasions while protesting at the Broadview U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, expressed that the lawsuit was initially about countering the Trump administration’s intimidation tactics against demonstrators and media. “Chicago made it clear that it would continue to protest and document the events despite federal actions. The city stood firm, and the federal forces retreated,” she stated.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
On November 6, Judge Sara Ellis delivered an oral decision that limited the federal forces’ ability to use force against protesters.
The law firm Loevy + Loevy reported in a statement that since November 8, there have been no notable incidents of violence by ICE or CBP against protesters, clergy, or journalists. Additionally, they noted that Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino and his team seemed to have departed the city the following week.
READ MORE: Judge finds federal agents misrepresented situations to justify force
While the lawsuit has been dropped, the plaintiffs have asserted their readiness to resume legal action if necessary in the future.
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals stayed Judge Ellis’s initial order while the Trump administration’s appeal is heard.
Despite what the videos show, neither DHS nor Bovino has ever admitted to an unjustified use of force, claiming throughout that all of their actions have been justified and lawful.
