ICE in Chicago: Federal judge’s report shares details on use of force during Operation Midway Blitz
CHICAGO (WLS) — A federal judge has released an extensive report on Operation Midway Blitz.
It’s over two hundred pages long.
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Judge Sarah Ellis points to several examples where she believes the Department of Homeland Security’s narrative was untrue.
The 233 page report examines evidence provided for a preliminary injunction earlier this month, which restricted agents use of against protesters and journalists.
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This week an appeals court temporarily blocked the order while an appeal by the Trump administration is considered.
The report pointing to an incident outside the Broadview processing center on September 19, where pepper balls and tear gas were deployed to a crowd.
Judge Ellis said she did not find the defendant’s evidence and witnesses credible.
The report also noted that in one instance, an agent asked ChatGPT to create their use of force reports based off a brief sentence and several images.
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The court says this “further undermines the credibility and may explain the inaccuracy of these reports when viewed in the light of body worn camera footage.”
Friday morning, dozens of protesters, including a group of Cook County commissioners, returned to the Broadview ICE facility.
Commissioner Kevin Morrison, who is running for Congress for Illinois’ 8th District, expressed concerns over the tactics federal agents have been using during Operation Midway Blitz.
“Just yesterday, a judge put out an opinion, criticizing the excessive use of force that has been placed on peaceful protesters. Right here in Broadview, we saw a pastor shot in the head with a pellet. We’ve seen Halloween youth be tear gassed.”
“These ICE raids are not random enforcement actions,” Commissioner Stamps. “They are targeted traumatic attacks on communities of color, including Black families, immigrant families, and working class households simply trying to live, work and build a future.”
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement, “This ruling is a win for the rule of law and for the safety of every law enforcement officer.
“Throughout Operation Midway Blitz, rioters and other violent criminals have threatened our law enforcement officers, thrown rocks, bottles, and fireworks at them, slashed the tires of their vehicles, rammed them, ambushed them, and even shot at them.
“Despite these real dangers, our law enforcement shows incredible restraint and prudence in their exercise of force to confront to protect the lives of their fellow officers and fellow Americans.
“America can be so proud of our brave men and women of law enforcement.”
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