Congressional Hearing on Immigration Enforcement Tactics in Chicago

Tue Oct 21 2025 04:13:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Federal officers in Chicago face scrutiny over immigration crackdown tactics, as body camera use is discussed amid calls for increased funding.

During a Congressional hearing, officials testified about the use of body cameras among federal immigration officers in Chicago, following over 1,000 arrests amidst the Trump administration's crackdown. The session, presided by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, highlighted the need for more funding to expand camera use and addressed concerns regarding officers' combative tactics during arrests and protests. Judge Ellis has mandated that agents wear badges and prohibited certain riot control measures against peaceful protesters and journalists.

CHICAGO (PulseWire) — Federal officers involved in immigration enforcement operations in the Chicago area are equipped with body cameras, but congressional funding is required to expand their usage, officials stated during a hearing on Monday about law enforcement tactics under the Trump administration. The crackdown has led to over 1,000 arrests in recent months.

U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis mandated at the hearing that uniformed agents should wear body cameras, if available, during arrests, searches, and protests. She questioned officials from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), pressing them on concerns over increasing use of aggressive tactics by immigration agents.

According to Kyle Harvick, a deputy incident commander with CBP, about 201 Border Patrol agents involved in Operation Midway Blitz have access to body cameras. However, Shawn Byers, a deputy field office director for ICE, indicated that more congressional funding would be essential for a wider rollout beyond the current two ICE offices. He added that no cameras have been deployed at an ICE facility in Broadview, a contentious site for protests.

During the hearing, Ellis mentioned plans to allow attorneys to question additional federal officials, including Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol chief overseeing operations in Chicago. The hearing stems from a lawsuit led by news organizations and community groups against the tactics being employed during arrests and protests.

Ellis had previously expressed disapproval over certain aggressive tactics, including the use of tear gas during protests in Chicago, during which residents demanded that agents retreat.

Harvick defended the use of tear gas, citing safety concerns for both agents and nearby residents. He stated, The longer we loiter on a scene and subjects come, the situation gets more and more dangerous. Meanwhile, the Justice Department stated law enforcement has faced attacks and interference while enforcing federal laws.

Furthermore, President Trump's administration is currently restricted from deploying the National Guard to assist in immigration enforcement in Illinois, with the current order set to expire unless continued action is taken. Discussions surrounding the legality of such deployments are ongoing.