Judge Orders Release of Over 600 Detainees from Chicago Immigration Crackdown

A federal judge in Chicago has ordered the release of over 600 individuals detained during the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operation, known as "Operation Midway Blitz." U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings ruled that these detentions violated a 2022 consent decree, which outlines the procedures for warrantless arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

During a hearing on Wednesday, Judge Cummings mandated the immediate release of 13 detainees and instructed government attorneys to review the cases of 615 others by Friday to determine their eligibility for alternatives to detention, such as ankle monitors. He also temporarily paused deportation proceedings for those who might qualify for bond under the decree.

Mark Fleming, an attorney with the National Immigrant Justice Center, stated,

The Department of Homeland Security criticized the ruling, with spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stating,

This decision follows previous judicial actions addressing the conduct of federal agents during the operation. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued a preliminary injunction restricting the use of force by federal agents, citing concerns over the credibility of government witnesses and the potential infringement on constitutional rights.