Overview
- Multiple outlets report that Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and many of his agents could depart Chicago as soon as this week, with planning to redeploy to Charlotte and later New Orleans, according to officials.
- DHS public affairs chief Tricia McLaughlin said, "We aren’t leaving Chicago," and sources indicate ICE and some CBP personnel will maintain an enforcement presence.
- U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis last week issued a preliminary injunction requiring body cameras and clear identification and limiting tear gas and other crowd-control measures, citing video evidence and stating Bovino admitted under oath that he lied about a rock strike before deploying gas.
- The Trump administration has asked the 7th Circuit to stay Ellis’ order pending appeal, arguing the restrictions are overbroad and risk agent safety, while the injunction remains active.
- DHS cites more than 3,000 arrests and credits the operation with crime declines, but Chicago police data show key categories were already falling before the surge, leading to disputes over attribution.