Feds Ask Appeals Court To Halt 'Unworkable' Restrictions On Force During Chicago Crackdown

A federal judge has limited the use of force by immigration agents in Chicago, a decision that the Trump administration now seeks to block. The emergency motion argues that the injunction threatens officer safety and exceeds judicial authority, claiming it is based on speculative past misconduct. This appeal is part of an ongoing lawsuit filed to safeguard the First Amendment rights of peaceful protesters and journalists, with Block Club Chicago as a key plaintiff. Judge Sara Ellis's ruling mandates visible identification for agents and requires the use of body cameras, restricting force to cases of immediate violence. Ellis highlighted instances of excessive force used against bystanders and journalists, questioning the credibility of government claims regarding violence.

The government asserts its agents acted justifiably against perceived threats, but Ellis found no evidence supporting claims of violent rioters in extensive video footage. The case has significant implications for law enforcement practices and civil rights in Chicago. The government’s motion to halt the order reflects ongoing tensions between federal authority and judicial oversight.