CHICAGO (QET) — A coalition made up of protesters, journalists, and faith leaders in Chicago has decided to dismiss their lawsuit against the aggressive tactics of federal immigration officers. The decision comes as they assert that the Trump administration’s 'Operation Midway Blitz' has effectively ended.
In what they view as a legal victory, the coalition expressed satisfaction despite the case facing potential skepticism in the appeals court. The coalition claimed victory the day federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers left the Chicago area, asserting their resolve against what they termed bullying by the previous administration.
David B. Owens, an attorney for the plaintiffs, proclaimed, 'The people of Chicago stood up to the Trump administration’s bullying and intimidation, and showed them they were messing with the wrong city.'
Despite the departure of Senior U.S. Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino from the region, sporadic arrests have persisted under other federal agents. The coalition highlighted a recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, which issued a preliminary injunction restricting the use of excessive force by federal agents.
While the fate of the injunction lingered after an appeals court deemed it 'overbroad,' both attorneys and coalition members remain vigilant, aware of the ongoing implications for civil liberties in the face of federal enforcement. With arguments set for later this month, the coalition's perseverance showcases their commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of both protesters and journalists amid challenges posed by federal policies.
Additionally, the coalition referenced the importance of their actions in exposing the justifications of federal enforcement as misleading, emphasizing the enduring need to protect constitutional rights against heavy-handed law enforcement tactics.
