Judge Rules Feds Can't Pepper-Spray, Tear-Gas Journalists After Block Club Chicago And Others Sue

A federal judge ruled that federal agents cannot use riot control weapons like tear gas and pepper spray against journalists and peaceful protesters in Chicago. The ruling, issued by U. S. District Judge Sara Ellis, comes after Block Club Chicago and other organizations filed a lawsuit in response to federal agents injuring journalists covering protests outside the Broadview ICE detention facility. Ellis emphasized that the First Amendment guarantees the rights of individuals to protest and report, noting that some actions by federal agents "clearly violate the constitution.

" The temporary restraining order requires federal agents to wear visible identification and restricts their ability to arrest journalists unless they are suspected of a crime. Ellis highlighted the "chilling effect" of federal agents' conduct on journalists' reporting capabilities. The order applies to all Homeland Security agents in the Northern District of Illinois, which includes more than a dozen counties. Sean Skedzielewski, representing the Department of Justice, expressed the government's opposition to the ruling, arguing it could be unworkable. A hearing is set for October 23 to consider a longer-lasting injunction, which could further protect journalists and protesters in the area.