Judge Slams Border Chief Over Tear Gas Use During Halloween Event

UPDATE: A U.S. District Court judge has issued a scathing rebuke to Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino after agents deployed tear gas in a Chicago neighborhood where children were preparing for a Halloween parade. The incident, which occurred over the weekend, has raised urgent concerns about the safety of families in the community.

During a tense court appearance on October 31, 2023, Judge Sara Ellis confronted Bovino over the use of tear gas in Old Irving Park, directly violating her previous restraining order prohibiting the use of riot control weapons unless law enforcement officers face immediate danger. Ellis emphasized the emotional impact on local children, stating, “These kids, you can imagine, their sense of safety was shattered. It is going to take a long time to come back, if ever.”

Ellis also criticized the use of force by federal agents in recent weeks, referencing an incident where agents allegedly pointed a firearm at a peaceful protestor. Bovino admitted he was unaware of specific details regarding that event, which the judge deemed a clear violation of her orders.

The court session revealed more troubling details as Ellis showed video evidence of federal agents using excessive force, including a chokehold on a U.S. citizen who approached them to inquire about their actions. Bovino conceded that such actions were inappropriate.

The tear gas deployment was part of a larger operation targeting Luis Villegas, an undocumented immigrant who has lived in the U.S. since he was four years old. As agents detained Villegas, local residents confronted the officers, leading to the controversial use of tear gas against families gathered for the Halloween festivities. Witnesses, including a former Cook County prosecutor, stated that the agents were not under threat during the operation.

Ellis insisted that children should not have to worry about being tear-gassed while attending local events. “That’s not how any of us want to live,” she asserted. Following this uproar, Ellis ordered Bovino to appear in her courtroom daily to report on his agents’ actions and mandated that all officers must be equipped with body cameras moving forward.

In light of these developments, all reports related to use of force incidents and corresponding body camera footage must be submitted by Friday. A hearing to determine whether to make Ellis’ restraining order permanent is scheduled for November 5, 2023.

This unfolding situation highlights significant concerns about the treatment of individuals in immigration operations and the safety of innocent bystanders, particularly children. The immediate implications for community trust in law enforcement are profound, as families in Old Irving Park are left grappling with the traumatic events of the weekend.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.