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The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday blocked Judge Sarah Ellis’ order that would require Greg Bovino, senior U.S. Border Patrol official, to attend daily check-ins over an immigration enforcement campaign in the Chicago area that has led to more than 1,800 arrests and allegations of excessive force. The order came down around an hour before Bovino was due to have his first daily check-in, to report on the actions of federal agents, following a request from the Trump administration for court intervention. Newsweek has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via email on Wednesday afternoon for comment. Why It Matters Chicago is the current city of focus for immigration enforcement in the U.S., with growing pushback from local officials, communities and journalists who feel federal agents are overstepping. Agents have been met with protests in neighborhoods across the city, responding with crowd control measures that have drawn sharp criticism, including from Ellis. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol official Greg Bovino arrives outside federal court in Chicago on October 28. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) What To Know The appeals court only stayed part of Ellis’ order—that Bovino appear before her each day at 5:45 p.m. local time. This means that other measures, like limiting the use of tear gas and requiring agents with body cameras to keep the devices on, remain in effect. Ellis has been presiding over an ongoing lawsuit filed by news organizations and protesters who accuse agents of using excessive force during demonstrations against immigration sweeps. Ellis said Tuesday her order is meant to ensure transparency and accountability as so-called Operation Midway Blitz continues. In an interview Wednesday morning on Fox News, Bovino defended federal agents’ actions and said he was eager to talk with the judge, but the Trump administration intervened, seeking the Appeals Court’s help. The federal government has also pledged to crack down on those accused of impeding immigration enforcement efforts. Among those charged in Chicago is Kat Abughazaleh, a Democratic congressional candidate indicted with five other people over allegations they blocked a federal immigration enforcement building in the Chicago suburbs. The indictment was unsealed Wednesday. Abughazaleh said in a social media post that the prosecution was an “attempt to silence dissent.” The Chicago court actions came as groups and officials across the country have filed lawsuits aimed at restricting federal deployments of National Guard troops. What People Are Saying Bovino, on Fox News Wednesday morning: “If she wants to meet with me every day, then she’s going to see, she’s going to have a very good firsthand look at just how bad things really are on the streets of Chicago. I look forward to meeting with that judge to show her exactly what’s happening and the extreme amount of violence perpetrated against law enforcement here.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, following Ellis’ Tuesday ruling: “Bovino is a barbaric individual, and I just hope this judge provides some level of accountability because that’s not what’s happening now. It has been incredibly gruesome how this administration has executed in this particular season, but it certainly is a start in the right direction.” What’s Next Plaintiffs in the case must respond to the Court of Appeals by 5 p.m. Thursday. This story contains reporting by the Associated Press.
