A federal judge in Illinois says she has "serious concerns" about whether or not federal law enforcement agents are following her orders to avoid "violent encounters with protesters and journalists in Chicago," reports CNN.
On Thursday, US District Court Judge Sara Ellis said “I’m a little startled frankly, that since Thursday when I entered the (temporary restraining order) last week, I’m getting images and seeing images on the news, in the paper, reading reports, where at least from what I’m seeing, I’m having serious concerns that my order’s being followed."
Ellis – an Obama appointee – issued a temporary restraining order last week after a group of local journalists and protesters sued the Trump administration, saying federal law enforcement agents were targeting people engaging in peaceful activity, including multiple reporters who said they were fired with pepper balls despite being identified as press, reports CNN.
Video of a pastor being repeatedly shot by pepper balls during a demonstration outside at an ICE facility near Chicago earlier this month drew widespread outcry, CNN says.
Saying she was "really not happy," Ellis said she was expanding her order.
“I am adding that all agents who are operating in Operation Midway Blitz are to wear body-worn cameras, and they are to be on,” the judge said in court.
“There’s a reason the Chicago Police Department has policies about car chases and where they occur, and where they need to stop,” said the judge.
“The issue is that DHS is using force in a manner that violates the constitutional rights of peaceful protesters, journalists and, essentially, clergy members,” the judge said, adding “You can’t shoot ‘em in the head. You can’t deploy tear gas. You can’t use flash-bang grenades. You can’t drive a car through a crowd.”
Social media reacted to this news down party lines. While MAGA on X were calling the judge out for being an "activist judge," the more left-leaning BlueSky crowd had other criticisms.
Activist Becca L. asked if the judge was "related to [Republican Maine Senator] Susan Collins?" who has become known for "expressing concern" over issues.
Atlanta Dem agreed, saying, "Strong Susan Collins vibes."
Journalist Dez Brown asked, "Can we PLEASE stop with showing "concern" and start holding these people accountable?"