CHICAGO (AP) — In a significant ruling aimed at increasing accountability, a federal judge has declared that immigration officers in the Chicago area must wear body cameras. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis made this announcement after viewing disturbing images of clashes between agents and the public during enforcement operations. She expressed her surprise at the aggressive tactics employed, which included the use of tear gas against protesters.
“I live in Chicago, if folks haven’t noticed,” Ellis remarked. “And I’m not blind, right?” The ruling underscores the growing tensions and community pushback against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions within the city, especially as local groups have begun to document ICE interactions with residents.
Since September, more than 1,000 immigrants have reportedly been arrested in the Chicago area amidst these intensified enforcement efforts. Ellis's ruling not only requires the use of body cameras but also mandates that agents must wear visible badges and prohibits certain riot control tactics against peaceful demonstrators and journalists.
“I’m having concerns about my order being followed,” the judge added, highlighting the need for adherence to regulations intended to protect citizens' rights during enforcement actions.
As part of this crackdown, known as Operation Midway Blitz, agents must have their cameras operational during operations, although the logistics of camera distribution will be addressed subsequently. The Justice Department has pointed to “selectively edited media reports” as an issue, but the judge noted that gradual implementation of the body camera requirements could ease this transition.
The decision marks a wider trend in law enforcement agencies requiring the use of body cameras to ensure transparency and accountability. Previously, in 2024, ICE initiated a deployment of about 1,600 body cameras to agents across various cities, but this latest ruling amplifies the call for observable practices in immigration enforcement.
