Federal Judge Stalls Dismissal of Chicago Immigration Enforcement Lawsuit Amid Minneapolis ICE Shooting
A federal judge in Chicago has paused her decision to dismiss a high-profile lawsuit challenging the use of force by immigration enforcement agents in the city, citing a recent fatal shooting of a protester in Minneapolis. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis cited Renee Nicole Macklin Good's death as she told lawyers that she needed more time to research and consider the case.
The lawsuit, which was certified by Ellis last fall, includes clergy, protesters, media organizations, and anyone who plans to non-violently demonstrate or document immigration enforcement actions in the Northern District of Illinois. The plaintiffs are seeking a dismissal that would prevent a three-judge panel from narrowing down an historic order she imposed on federal agents.
The order restricted the use of tear gas, chokeholds, and other measures during deportation efforts. However, Ellis's decision was put on hold by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which signaled plans to narrow her order. The appellate panel has also placed a 50-day delay on Ellis's ruling.
Lawyers representing the plaintiffs said they were confident in their position and had no concerns about the judge's decision. "The judge has an independent duty to protect them and their rights," said Steven Art, attorney for the group.
Ellis's pause in her decision comes as federal officials have warned that immigration enforcement efforts are far from over. U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino stated on social media that "we're gonna be here for years."
The case has garnered significant attention since it was first filed last fall, with Judge Ellis famously reading Carl Sandburg's poem "Chicago" before handing down her preliminary injunction in November.
A federal judge in Chicago has paused her decision to dismiss a high-profile lawsuit challenging the use of force by immigration enforcement agents in the city, citing a recent fatal shooting of a protester in Minneapolis. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis cited Renee Nicole Macklin Good's death as she told lawyers that she needed more time to research and consider the case.
The lawsuit, which was certified by Ellis last fall, includes clergy, protesters, media organizations, and anyone who plans to non-violently demonstrate or document immigration enforcement actions in the Northern District of Illinois. The plaintiffs are seeking a dismissal that would prevent a three-judge panel from narrowing down an historic order she imposed on federal agents.
The order restricted the use of tear gas, chokeholds, and other measures during deportation efforts. However, Ellis's decision was put on hold by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which signaled plans to narrow her order. The appellate panel has also placed a 50-day delay on Ellis's ruling.
Lawyers representing the plaintiffs said they were confident in their position and had no concerns about the judge's decision. "The judge has an independent duty to protect them and their rights," said Steven Art, attorney for the group.
Ellis's pause in her decision comes as federal officials have warned that immigration enforcement efforts are far from over. U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino stated on social media that "we're gonna be here for years."
The case has garnered significant attention since it was first filed last fall, with Judge Ellis famously reading Carl Sandburg's poem "Chicago" before handing down her preliminary injunction in November.