Appeals Court Overturns Chicago Immigration Restrictions

A federal appeals court has overturned a district judge's order that imposed broad restrictions on immigration enforcement operations in Chicago, ruling that the measures violated principles of separation of powers.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit issued its 2-1 decision last week, vacating a preliminary injunction granted by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis. The injunction had limited federal agents' tactics during Operation Midway Blitz, a Department of Homeland Security initiative targeting immigration enforcement in the Chicago area. The operation, launched by the Trump administration, aimed to address illegal immigration and related street crime amid rising protests.

The ruling stemmed from a class-action lawsuit filed in October by protesters, journalists, and religious leaders against Homeland Security officials, including Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino. Plaintiffs alleged violations of First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly, as well as Fourth Amendment protections against excessive force, during clashes in neighborhoods like Little Village. They claimed agents used tear gas and other riot control measures without justification, including...