Judge Bars Federal Agents From Using Tear Gas on Journalists and Clergy Outside Broadview ICE Facility

On October 9, 2025, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued a temporary restraining order barring federal agents from using riot-control weapons — including tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets — against reporters, protesters and clergy who pose no immediate threat to officers outside the ICE processing facility in Broadview, Illinois. The suit was brought by the Chicago Headline Club, the Chicago Newspaper Guild, Block Club Chicago and other news organizations, journalists and demonstrators. Ellis described a pattern of extreme brutality in the agents' conduct. Block Club Chicago reported that at least four of its staff or freelancers had been struck with pepper balls or tear gas since September 19. The 14-day order applied to federal law enforcement across the Northern District of Illinois operating under the immigration enforcement campaign known as Operation Midway Blitz.

The order placed judicial limits on the use of force by federal agents against credentialed press covering an immigration operation, an area normally governed by internal agency policy rather than court supervision.

A further hearing was set for October 23, 2025. Restrictions on the agents' use of riot-control weapons were extended in subsequent proceedings.