Judge Mandates Body Cameras for Federal Immigration Officers in Chicago

Fri Oct 17 2025 01:18:04 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In response to aggressive measures against protesters, a Chicago judge has ruled that federal immigration agents must wear body cameras. This decision comes amid increased public scrutiny of ICE operations.

U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis mandated that federal immigration officers in Chicago wear body cameras following concerns over their treatment of peaceful protesters during immigration enforcement activities. The ruling arises from the public's increasing efforts to monitor ICE's actions, especially amidst reports of arrests exceeding 1,000 immigrants since September. The initiative is part of a broader push towards accountability in law enforcement, particularly in high-stress situations involving protestors and journalists.

CHICAGO (AP) — In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis decreed that federal immigration officers in the Chicago area must wear body cameras. The decision follows disturbing images of clashes between law enforcement and the public during the aggressive immigration policies of the previous administration.

Judge Ellis expressed concern about the treatment of peaceful protesters. I live in Chicago if folks haven’t noticed, and I’m not blind, right? she remarked as she addressed the court regarding the conduct of immigration officials. Community activists have increasingly mobilized to monitor U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in the city.

Since September, reports indicate that over 1,000 individuals have been arrested in Chicago as part of ICE's enforcement efforts. The judge's decision aims to enhance accountability and transparency among agents involved in these operations.

Additionally, the ruling forbids agents from employing certain riot control measures against peaceful gatherings involving journalists and demonstrators. Judge Ellis stated, I’m having concerns about my order being followed, emphasizing the need for proper enforcement and oversight.

In a related context, the Trump administration attempted to deploy National Guard troops to assist with the immigration crackdown, but a different court ruling halted this initiative recently.

I am adding that all agents who are operating in Operation Midway Blitz are to wear body-worn cameras, and they are to be on, Judge Ellis noted, highlighting her command that agents must ensure these devices are functional.

Despite opposition from Justice Department officials who claimed the media coverage was biased, Judge Ellis indicated that mechanisms to facilitate the use of body cameras shall be arranged without delay. I understand that. I would not be expecting agents to wear body-worn cameras they do not have,” she said, confirming that details regarding logistics could be addressed at a later time.

The forthcoming court appearance of the field director overseeing the enforcement was scheduled for Monday. Additionally, it was mentioned that ICE had previously started deploying approximately 1,600 body cameras to places like Baltimore and Detroit in 2024, indicating a trend towards increased transparency in immigration enforcement.