Judge Blasts Border Patrol Boss Greg Bovino For Violating Excessive Force Order

U. S. District Judge Sara Ellis criticized Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino for the use of riot-control weapons against peaceful protesters, including children in Halloween costumes, during immigration enforcement operations in Chicago. The judge mandated daily reports from Bovino after federal agents repeatedly flouted a court order aimed at limiting excessive force. Ellis highlighted that children do not pose a threat and should not be subjected to chemical irritants.

Recent incidents of tear-gassing and excessive force have raised serious concerns about the protection of First Amendment rights in the city. The judge stated that agents failed to adhere to requirements for issuing warnings and using body cameras. Witness accounts described disturbing scenes of agents using excessive force, including pushing a woman to the ground. Ellis expressed her frustration over the apparent disregard for the court's orders and instructed that all agents must wear body cameras. She emphasized the need for accountability in the ongoing immigration enforcement operations.