BREAKING: Senior Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino faces accusations of violating a federal judge’s order by allegedly deploying tear gas against protesters in Chicago on October 5, 2023. This incident, which occurred in the Little Village neighborhood, raises serious concerns about the use of force by federal agents amid ongoing protests against immigration enforcement.
The newly filed court documents against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claim Bovino “apparently threw tear gas into a crowd without justification,” violating a temporary restraining order issued by US District Judge Sara Ellis. This order, obtained by a coalition of media organizations, protesters, and local clergy, restricts federal agents from employing aggressive tactics during demonstrations.
A Facebook video, reportedly viewed by CNN, captures the moment Bovino threw an object towards the protesters. While the footage does not clearly show the events leading up to the incident, it raises questions about compliance with the court’s orders. The filing states, “Defendant Bovino appears to throw either one or two tear gas canisters over the heads of armed federal agents.”
Judge Ellis previously expressed her concerns about adherence to her order during a hearing last week. The order mandates that federal agents refrain from using excessive force, particularly against journalists and peaceful demonstrators.
Bovino, one of several officials named in a lawsuit alleging a pattern of “extreme brutality” by federal agents, defended the actions of his team during an interview with CBS News earlier on the same day as the court filing. He described their use of force as “exemplary,” claiming it was the “least amount of force necessary to accomplish the mission.”
Protests have surged in Chicago since September when federal agents were deployed under Operation Midway Blitz, a crackdown on illegal immigration that has resulted in over 1,000 arrests. The aggressive tactics of the federal agents have drawn widespread criticism, especially after disturbing footage surfaced showing a local pastor being shot in the head with pepper balls by officers stationed on a roof near the Broadview ICE facility.
In response to the escalating tensions and community concerns, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced the establishment of the Illinois Accountability Commission. This body aims to investigate federal enforcement actions in the state, documenting abuses and recommending measures to “prevent further harm and pursue justice” for affected families and communities.
The legal battles continue as Judge Ellis has ordered Bovino to be deposed regarding the allegations, with a preliminary injunction hearing set for November 5, 2023. The court has expanded his deposition timeframe to five hours, reflecting the seriousness of the accusations.
Bovino, 55, who previously led similar operations in Los Angeles, has become a central figure in President Donald Trump’s controversial strategy to increase federal law enforcement presence in Democratic-led cities. His methods, including aggressive immigration sweeps, have drawn both condemnation and praise within the administration.
The fallout from these events occurs against the backdrop of a broader legal struggle regarding the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago, with Judge April Perry extending an order blocking their deployment pending a final decision.
As this story develops, the implications for federal law enforcement practices and community relations in Chicago are significant. Stay tuned for more updates as officials respond and the legal proceedings unfold.
This incident not only highlights the tensions surrounding immigration enforcement but also raises critical questions about accountability and the treatment of individuals exercising their right to protest.
