A federal appeals court has stepped in to halt restrictions on immigration agents operating in the Chicago area, delivering a much-needed check on judicial overreach amid a major enforcement push that’s already netted over 3,000 arrests since September.
The Seventh Circuit panel issued the stay against U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis’ preliminary injunction, which had barred agents from deploying physical force or chemical agents like tear gas and pepper balls except in cases of “an immediate threat.” The appeals court described the order as “overbroad” and “too prescriptive,” noting it “resembles a federal regulation” by micromanaging riot control tools.