Federal Appeals Court Overturns Chicago Immigration Restraints Amid Controversy

Thu Nov 20 2025 01:55:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant legal move, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily halts a federal order aimed at limiting the use of force by immigration agents in Chicago, citing concerns of being overly broad.

A federal appeals court has put a temporary halt on a recent order that restricted federal immigration agents in Chicago from using force. The court deemed the order 'overbroad' and suggested a potential appeal could lead to a more tailored ruling. The original injunction was issued in response to claims of excessive force used during a crackdown that resulted in over 3,000 arrests in the city and surrounding areas since September. This issue arises amidst ongoing public protests and claims of constitutional violations against journalists and protesters.

CHICAGO — A federal appeals court on Wednesday temporarily halted an order restricting the use of force by federal immigration agents in the Chicago area, calling it 'overbroad' and 'too prescriptive.'

However, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals cautioned against 'overreading' its stay and hinted that a swift appeal could lead to an order that is more tailored and appropriate. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued a preliminary injunction in response to a lawsuit filed by news outlets and protesters who alleged that federal officers used excessive force during an immigration crackdown. This crackdown resulted in over 3,000 arrests since September across Chicago and its suburbs.

Government attorneys argued that the order hindered the enforcement of national laws and could potentially 'subvert' the constitutional structure. In addressing this issue, the three-judge panel indicated that the government's arguments were likely to prevail in court. The ruling emphasized that the preliminary injunction was 'overbroad' as it prevented an expansive range of defendants, including federal departments and even the President of the United States, from performing their official duties.

Among other restrictions, Ellis' order limited agents from utilizing physical force or chemical agents such as tear gas and pepper balls, unless deemed absolutely necessary or to prevent an immediate threat. This decision has faced backlash amid reports of inhumane treatment and rights violations during immigration enforcement actions. Witnesses have given emotional testimony of their experiences, including being shot with pepper balls while praying and encountering tear gas.

Ellis determined that the claims made by Trump's administration witnesses were 'simply not credible,' leading to further scrutiny of the practices employed by federal agents. As legal challenges continue, the immigration operations in Chicago are under heightened public scrutiny, with activists and affected individuals calling for transparency and accountability.