ICE Agents In Chicago Area Who Aren’t Undercover Must Wear Badges Or IDs, Federal Judge Rules
Agents have been concealing their identities by wearing masks and hats without badges or name tags. Advocates say the ruling is a step toward accountability.
blockclubchicago.org
CHICAGO — Federal immigration agents who aren’t working undercover are now required to have visible identification anytime they’re on the job in Chicago and surrounding areas — including when they’re making arrests or responding to protests — under a ruling issued by a federal judge Thursday.
The measure is part of a temporary injunction granted by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, who ordered the federal Department of Homeland Security and agencies under it to adhere to a list of rules meant to protect constitutional rights during immigration enforcement in and around Chicago.
Block Club Chicago and other organizations sought the injunction through a lawsuit filed earlier this week. The suit seeks to bar federal agents from using excessive force against members of the media along with peaceful protesters and others engaging in protected activities.
In granting the injunction, Ellis said federal agents must now wear badges with identifying information — “unique, recognizable alpha-numeric” identification — on their uniform or helmet, including when wearing riot gear. She did make an exception for those federal law enforcement officers who work undercover or do not typically wear a uniform, according to her order.
The injunction, which is effective immediately, applies for at least the next 14 days to agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Patrol, and other agencies working in the federal court system’s Northern District of Illinois, which covers 18 counties, including Cook.
Ellis also ruled that agents are now barred from using riot-control weapons like pepper-spray bullets and tear gas against peaceful journalists and protesters. She banned them from arresting journalists and others who are not posing an immediate threat to the safety of law enforcement.
Department of Homeland Security officials didn’t immediately respond to questions about the ruling.
Advocates say requiring federal agents to wear badges and display identification is a step toward accountability amid President Donald Trump’s immigration “blitz,” which has brought hundreds of federal agents to the region and led to the arrests of at least 1,000 people, many seemingly made without warrants in violation of a federal consent decree.
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