A federal judge has mandated the release of hundreds of individuals detained during aggressive immigration raids across Chicago, dealing a significant blow to the Trump administration's enforcement operations in the area.
Court Intervention Halts Deportation Pressure
US District Judge Jeffrey Cummings issued a sweeping order on Wednesday that requires immigration authorities to release detainees on $1,500 bond provided they have no criminal history or prior removal order. The ruling immediately affects 13 people currently in custody with potential implications for hundreds more.
In a crucial protection for detainees, Judge Cummings explicitly prohibited government officials from pressuring individuals to agree to voluntary deportation while their cases remain pending. This measure aims to prevent rushed decisions that could permanently affect immigrants' legal status.
Operation Midway Blitz Faces Legal Challenge
The court order represents a major legal setback for Donald Trump's Operation Midway Blitz, which launched a series of controversial immigration raids across Chicago in recent months. Federal agents involved in these operations have faced multiple allegations of using excessive force, including deploying tear gas and pepper spray against protesters.
According to court documents, the judge has directed the justice department to produce a comprehensive list showing which of the 615 possible class members remain in custody by 19 November. This documentation will help determine the full scope of the release order.
Consent Decree Violations Alleged
The legal action stems from a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Illinois and the National Immigrant Justice Center, alleging federal agents violated a 2022 consent decree concerning warrantless arrests in the Chicago area. The organisations argued that immigration authorities broke the law during their latest crackdown.
Michelle Garcia, deputy legal director of ACLU's Illinois chapter, celebrated the decision, stating: "Most importantly, the court committed to enforcing our agreement with the federal government – a step that creates a pathway for even more of the hundreds of people illegally arrested and detained during Operation Midway Blitz to be released."
Justice Department lawyer William Weiland described the ruling as "highly significant" and requested a pause on releases to consult with superiors. Government lawyers argued that at least 12 of the 615 individuals posed substantial security concerns and required additional vetting time.
Judge Cummings has ordered both plaintiffs and defendants to file a status report by 21 November, setting the stage for further legal proceedings in this ongoing immigration enforcement battle.
