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Judge Pauses Dismissal of Chicago Use-of-Force Case, Orders 500 Videos Unsealed

The court will revisit dismissal on Jan. 22 following an order to release roughly 500 additional videos and reports within 120 days.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis declined to immediately end the certified class action, citing concern after a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis.
  • Ellis ordered the unsealing of about 500 additional body-camera videos and remaining use-of-force reports, rejecting DHS’s request for a slower rollout and setting a 120-day deadline.
  • The judge will notify class members and hold a Jan. 22 hearing on whether to approve the plaintiffs’ voluntary dismissal, with her earlier injunction still stayed by the Seventh Circuit.
  • Plaintiffs sought dismissal after the appellate stay and reduced local operations, while saying they can refile if agents resume unconstitutional tactics.
  • Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino has returned to the Chicago area with agents and the government says enforcement continues, and media outlets won release of a previously redacted hearing transcript.