US federal judge orders ICE to wear body cameras in Chicago
The ruling aims to increase transparency and accountability during immigration enforcement operations in Chicago.
U.S. District Judge Sarah Ellis has ordered federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to wear body cameras during law enforcement operations and all interactions with the public. This new order follows a temporary restraining order issued by Judge Ellis last week, effective until November 6.
Judge Ellis attributed the amended order to her concerns about ICE’s compliance with the original order. She said she was “a little surprised” after seeing media coverage of ICE actions that appeared to violate the order, adding, “I live in Chicago, so if people haven’t noticed, I’m not oblivious.”
The temporary restraining order prohibits ICE from using riot control weapons, including less-lethal rifles, 40mm munitions launchers, pepper balls, and tear gas, against protesters and journalists unless necessary to prevent harm. Under these circumstances, the order required ICE to issue at least two warnings and provide a reasonable opportunity to comply. The order specifically prohibited ICE from using force against journalists unless it had reasonable grounds to believe they had committed a violation.
In addition, Ellis ordered ICE witnesses to appear in court to testify about apparent violations of the initial temporary order. Kyle C. Harvick, Deputy Commander of Customs and Border Protection Response Operations, and Sean Byers, Deputy Director of the ICE Field Office, are scheduled to appear in court Monday.
This temporary order follows a class-action lawsuit filed by journalist groups and protesters against the Department of Homeland Security on October 6. They alleged that the federal government was violating their First Amendment rights. Specifically, the journalist plaintiffs claimed that agents adopted a “method of excessive brutality” as part of a “coordinated and ongoing effort to silence the press and civilians.” The complaint alleges that federal agents used stun grenades, tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and paintballs against protesters, causing injuries. The complaint also states that protesters and journalists were detained for hours.
