Federal Agent Accused of Violating Judge's Order on Tear Gas Use

A senior Border Patrol official is accused of throwing tear gas into a crowd of protesters in a Chicago neighborhood, potentially violating a judge's order restricting the use of aggressive crowd control tactics. The incident occurred during a protest against federal immigration authorities in the Little Village neighborhood. A court filing alleges that Gregory Bovino, 55, "apparently threw tear gas into a crowd without justification" despite a temporary restraining order from US District Judge Sara Ellis, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama. The order restricts federal agents' crowd control tactics and use of force against protesters in Chicago.

Key Takeaways:

• The alleged incident occurred on Thursday during a protest against federal immigration authorities in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, with a court filing alleging that Gregory Bovino threw tear gas into a crowd without justification.
• The temporary restraining order from US District Judge Sara Ellis restricts federal agents' crowd control tactics and use of force against protesters in Chicago, with exceptions for individuals who pose a threat to law enforcement or others.
• Bovino, 55, is a senior Border Patrol official who has been leading the federal crackdown in Chicago, which has been met with widespread outcry and protests.
• The recent court filing cites a Facebook video post that shows Bovino throw an object toward protesters, with CNN viewing the video.
• The court has expanded Bovino's deposition time to five hours as part of an ongoing lawsuit filed by media groups, individual protesters, and Chicago-area clergy members against the Department of Homeland Security.
• The lawsuit accuses federal agents of "a pattern of extreme brutality" intended to "silence the press and civilians," with over a dozen administration officials named as defendants.
• DHS has defended the use of chemical munitions, saying it was conducted in full accordance with CBP policy and necessary to ensure the safety of both law enforcement and the public.

Statistics:

• Over 1,000 arrests have been made as part of "Operation Midway Blitz," a targeted crackdown on illegal immigration that has led to widespread protests in Chicago.
• At least one area pastor was shot in the head with pepper balls by officers perched on the roof of the Broadview ICE facility near Chicago.
• US District Judge April Perry has ordered an extension of the order blocking the deployment of Guard troops to Chicago through final judgment.
• Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has announced the creation of the Illinois Accountability Commission to pursue accountability for the people of Illinois and capture the impact of federal enforcement abuses on families and communities.

Sources:

• CNN
• Facebook video post cited in court filing
• US District Court Judge Sara Ellis' order
• US District Court Judge April Perry's order
• Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's announcement on the Illinois Accountability Commission