CHICAGO (AP) — A federal judge indicated that hundreds arrested and detained in the Chicago area during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown might soon be released on bond while they wait for immigration hearings.
During a hearing in Chicago, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings said he would order the release of 13 detained individuals based on a 2022 consent decree, which specifies how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can execute warrantless arrests.
The judge mandated that government attorneys have until Friday to examine a list of 615 individuals detained at county jails and federal facilities nationwide for eligibility for alternatives to detention, such as ankle monitoring, while their immigration cases are processed. He promised to issue a release order next week and has temporarily paused deportation proceedings for potentially eligible individuals under the decree.
Attorney Mark Fleming, representing the detainees, lauded the ruling as a significant win and suggested further actions would be pursued.
“All of the tactics of ICE have been unlawful in most arrests,” he added, raising concerns about detainees lacking proper legal counsel or understanding of their circumstances.
The judge emphasized that many of the arrested individuals do not fit the profile of the ICE's so-called 'worst of the worst' criminals, contradicting the agency's broader objectives during the crackdown.
As of September, over 3,300 individuals suspected of immigration violations in Chicago and surrounding areas have been arrested under what was dubbed 'Operation Midway Blitz', with many facing deportation or self-deporting.
The case continues to stir controversy, highlighting ongoing clashes between federal immigration enforcement practices and community sentiments, amid claims of excessive tactics and increased community tensions.
