A U.S. federal judge ordered immigration agents to refrain from using force against peaceful protesters and journalists in Chicago, after determining that the practices employed under the so-called “Operation Midway Blitz”-prompted by President Donald Trump’s administration-violate the constitutional rights of citizens and residents.
The decision was issued Thursday, November 6, 2025, by Judge Sara Ellis of the Southern District of Illinois, who issued an injunction limiting the actions of federal agents in immigration operations in the region. Ellis noted that evidence presented in court showed “multiple violations of First Amendment rights,” including the use of physical force, tear gas, and arbitrary arrests against people participating in peaceful demonstrations.
Immigration agents may not use force in Chicago
BREAKING: A judge will order federal agents in Chicago to restrict using force against protesters and media. https://t.co/hznO473S4y
– The Associated Press (@AP) November 6, 2025
The injunction stems from a class action lawsuit filed by civil society organizations and human rights lawyers, who denounced that immigration agents, under the framework of Operation Midway Blitz, have used repressive tactics to disperse demonstrations demanding dignified treatment of the immigrant community in the Chicago metropolitan area.
During the hearing, Judge Ellis heard testimony from protesters, religious leaders and journalists, several of whom described episodes of violence and harassment.
Some reported being pushed, gassed or detained for no apparent reason while documenting protests or holding vigils in public spaces.
The magistrate also pointed out that the federal authorities ignored previous court orders, issued weeks earlier, which prohibited them from using tear gas or projectiles against peaceful demonstrators.
On at least seven occasions since the beginning of October, agents used gas without warning and without evidence of immediate threat, according to reports filed in court.
As part of her ruling, the judge ordered all agents participating in immigration operations to wear body cameras and keep the recordings on during their interventions.
It also ratified the obligation for officers to wear visible identification and to refrain from covering their badges or names during the performance of their duties.
Ellis emphasized that these measures are necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in federal operations, especially in the face of allegations of excessive use of force.
The judge pointed out that her decision does not prevent the authorities from carrying out their immigration control duties, but it does establish clear limits to the use of force against civilians exercising their right to protest or free speech.
The ruling comes amid a climate of growing tension in Chicago, where community and immigrant advocacy organizations have denounced raids and arbitrary detentions under the federal operation.
Since the launch of Operation Midway Blitz in early September, more than 3,000 people have been arrested, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s own figures.
The Trump administration plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the agents’ actions are covered by national security.
Nonetheless, civil groups celebrated the resolution as an important advance in the protection of constitutional rights, especially in a context of more aggressive immigration policies.
Judge Ellis concluded her ruling by reminding that “law enforcement cannot be above the Constitution” and that federal agents must act in accordance with the principles of proportionality, legality and respect for human rights.
Filed under: Use of force by immigration agents
