Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Federal Judge Rules Against DHS Use of Force in Chicago
A judge in Chicago has put a stop to how federal agents from a department called DHS were acting during protests.
The judge said the agents, led by someone named Gregory Bovino, were using too much force, like tear gas, and weren't being truthful about why they were using it.
For example, an agent admitted to lying about being hit by a rock to justify using tear gas, which a video showed wasn't true.
The judge felt this behavior was shocking and hurt people's rights to protest.
So, the judge made new rules: the agents can now only use strong force if someone is in immediate danger of getting hurt.
They also have to wear cameras and give warnings before using things like tear gas.
This is to make sure the agents act responsibly and only when absolutely necessary.
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued an injunction against the Department of Homeland Security's use of force in Chicago.
The ruling prohibits DHS agents from using tear gas and crowd-control weapons unless necessary to stop immediate physical harm.
The injunction requires agents to wear body cameras and give audible warnings before using such weaponry.
Judge Ellis stated the agents' use of force 'shocks the conscience' and found government testimony, particularly from Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, not credible.
Bovino admitted to lying about a rock-throwing incident used to justify deploying tear gas, a claim disproven by video evidence and a violation of a prior court order.
- Who
- U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino
- What
- A federal judge issued an injunction against the Department of Homeland Security's use of force in Chicago, finding the actions of agents led by Gregory Bovino to be excessive and their testimony not credible.
- When
- The ruling was issued Thursday, with extended restrictions from a previous order last month.
- Where
- Chicago
- Why
- The judge found the use of force 'shocks the conscience,' was not credibly justified by immediate threats, and illegally impacted constitutional rights. Specifically, Bovino's admitted false statements regarding a rock-throwing incident were cited.
Judge Ellis and Plaintiffs
U.S. Government (Department of Homeland Security)
Justification for Use of Force
Judge Ellis and Plaintiffs
Federal agents used excessive and indiscriminate force, including tear gas and pepper balls, on civilians. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino admitted to lying about a rock-throwing incident, which was used to justify deploying tear gas, violating a previous court order.
U.S. Government (Department of Homeland Security)
The government framed the case as allowing law enforcement to perform their duties against agitators who conflate constitutional rights with violent action. Homeland Security disputes claims that agents are not properly trained.
Credibility of Government Testimony
Judge Ellis and Plaintiffs
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino's testimony about a rock-throwing incident was disproven by video evidence, leading the judge to find his statements not credible.
U.S. Government (Department of Homeland Security)
The government did not offer a direct counter-argument to the credibility assessment in the provided text but defended the agents' training and actions.
Appropriateness of Border Patrol Tactics in Urban Areas
Judge Ellis and Plaintiffs
Border Patrol agents are not trained for policing cities and are most effective near the border. Their tactics, including shattering car windows and using chemical irritants, are risky in urban environments like Chicago.
U.S. Government (Department of Homeland Security)
Gregory Bovino, leading the operation, stated that Border Patrol will carry out its mission, implying confidence in their operational capabilities regardless of the location.
- Lead Officer
- Gregory Bovino (Chief Patrol Agent, El Centro Sector)
- Operation
- Operation Midway Blitz
- Location
- Chicago suburbs
- Judge
- U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis
- Key Incident Cited
- Bovino's admitted false claim about a rock-throwing incident used to justify tear gas deployment.
- Agent's Actions
- Shattered car windows, used chemical irritants, shoved individuals.
- Court Ruling
- Preliminary injunction restricting use of force, requiring body cameras and audible warnings.
