UPDATE: A senior Border Patrol official, Gregory Bovino, faces serious allegations after reportedly throwing tear gas into a crowd of protesters in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on Thursday. This incident may violate a federal judge’s order that restricts the use of aggressive crowd control tactics during ongoing protests against ICE.
According to a new court filing against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Bovino “apparently threw tear gas into a crowd without justification,” escalating tensions during a protest against federal immigration enforcement. This incident occurred just hours before the filing, amid heightened scrutiny of federal agents’ actions during demonstrations in the city.
The filing, submitted by a coalition of media groups, individual protesters, and local clergy, highlights a troubling video showing Bovino allegedly throwing tear gas canisters towards the crowd. The evidence raises questions about compliance with U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis‘s temporary restraining order, which prohibits aggressive tactics against protesters and journalists.
Judge Ellis has expressed concerns about adherence to her order during recent hearings. The order allows exceptions for individuals posing threats, but the circumstances surrounding Bovino’s actions are now under investigation.
Bovino, who oversees Border Patrol’s operations in California’s El Centro sector, has been at the forefront of the federal crackdown in Chicago, known as Operation Midway Blitz. This initiative has led to over 1,000 arrests since its launch in early September. Protesters have criticized federal tactics as excessively violent, especially following incidents where a local pastor was struck in the head with pepper balls during a demonstration.
During an interview with CBS News, Bovino defended the actions of federal agents, stating, “The use of force I’ve seen has been exemplary.” He downplayed concerns about the use of tear gas and pepper balls, asserting that protesters should not be in harm’s way if they adhere to lawful conduct.
The implications of this incident are far-reaching, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announcing the formation of the Illinois Accountability Commission in response to the escalating federal presence. This commission aims to document abuses by federal enforcement and recommend steps to prevent further harm to communities in Illinois.
As legal battles continue, a preliminary injunction hearing regarding the judge’s order is scheduled for November 5, 2023. The heightened tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement tactics have sparked widespread debate and outrage, raising critical questions about the balance between law enforcement and civil rights.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities confirm they are closely monitoring developments in Chicago. As protests continue, the eyes of the nation remain on the unfolding events, with potential implications for federal policy and local governance.
This urgent situation highlights the escalating conflict between federal enforcement and community protests, making it crucial for citizens to stay informed about the ongoing developments.
