Appeals court blocks order limiting immigration agents' use of force in Chicago

A federal appeals court has blocked a lower-court ruling that sought to limit how immigration agents can use force during Chicago-area enforcement operations calling the judge s order overbroad and too prescriptive The Seventh Circuit panel cautioned against overreading its stay noting that a fast-track appeal could consequence in a more tailored and appropriate order Earlier this month U S District Judge Sara Ellis issued a preliminary injunction after media organizations and demonstrators accused federal officers of using excessive force during an immigration operation that has resulted in more than arrests since September across Chicago and nearby communities Justice Department lawyers argued that the order restricted law enforcement s ability to carry out its duties and could subvert the constitutional structure BLUE CITY JUDGE CITES 'FEAR OR OBSTRUCTION' IN BLOCKING ICE COURTHOUSE ARRESTS DURING COURT PROCEEDINGSThe panel stated the order was too prescriptive because it specified riot control weapons and other devices in a way that resembles a federal regulation Ellis order barred agents from using physical force and chemical agents such as tear gas and pepper balls unless necessary or to prevent an immediate threat The judge mentioned the use of those tools violated the constitutional rights of journalists and protesters Observers notified the court they were tear-gassed shot with pepper balls while praying and had guns pointed at them FEDERAL JUDGE SAYS ICE DETAINEES 'SHOULDN'T BE SLEEPING NEXT TO OVERFLOWING TOILETS' AT CHICAGO-AREA FACILITYEllis located that Trump administration eyewitnesses were just not credible including Gregory Bovino a Boundary Patrol commander who led the Chicago area operation before moving on to North Carolina Bovino has defended the agents use of force and oversaw about officers from U S Customs and Confines Protection in the region beginning in September Federal demarcation agents are expected to next be deployed to New Orleans The immigration operation has drawn multiple lawsuits including alleges of inhumane conditions at a federal immigration facility accusations that prompted a federal judge and attorneys to visit the U S Immigration and Customs Enforcement center outside Chicago last week DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin called the stay a win for the rule of law and for the safety of every law enforcement officer The Associated Press contributed to this analysis