Judge Slams Border Chief Over Tear Gas Use During Halloween Event

UPDATE: A Chicago judge has issued a fierce rebuke to U.S. Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino after agents deployed tear gas in a residential area where children were preparing for a Halloween parade. This incident occurred over the weekend and is seen as a direct violation of a court order prohibiting such actions unless federal officers are in immediate danger.

During a tense court appearance on October 31, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis condemned Bovino for the Border Patrol’s actions, which she called “unacceptable” and “impossible to justify.” The incident shattered the sense of safety for children in the neighborhood, with Ellis stating, “These kids, you can imagine, their sense of safety was shattered.”

The troubling events unfolded in Old Irving Park, where the Border Patrol targeted Luis Villegas, an undocumented immigrant who has lived in the U.S. since he was four years old. Witnesses reported that agents used tear gas after local residents confronted them, demanding they leave the area. “That’s not how any of us want to live,” Ellis emphasized, referring to the fear instilled in children preparing for the festive occasion.

Ellis questioned Bovino about other recent incidents involving federal agents, including a report of agents pointing a gun at a peaceful protestor and another case where a U.S. citizen was allegedly placed in a chokehold. Bovino admitted that the use of force described in these instances was inappropriate and contradicted established protocols.

In a dramatic turn, Judge Ellis ordered Bovino to report to her courtroom daily moving forward to provide updates on his officers’ actions within the district. She mandated that all agents be equipped with body cameras and directed the submission of reports on force incidents and corresponding footage by Friday.

“Kids should feel they’re able to go to local Halloween events without having to worry about getting tear-gassed,” Ellis stated.

A hearing is scheduled for November 5, 2023, to determine whether to make Ellis’s restraining order permanent, strictly limiting the use of riot control munitions. The implications of this case resonate deeply within the community, highlighting ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local residents.

As the situation develops, community advocates and local leaders are calling for accountability and a reevaluation of the Border Patrol’s tactics in residential neighborhoods. The urgency for change is echoed by the judge’s comments, stressing that such actions threaten the fabric of community trust and safety.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds and the implications of the upcoming hearing on November 5 are revealed.