CHICAGO (AP) — A significant change is on the horizon for hundreds detained in the Chicago area during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. A federal judge has indicated that numerous individuals could soon be released on bond while awaiting immigration hearings.
During a recent hearing, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings mentioned plans to order the full release of at least 13 detained individuals based on a 2022 consent decree regarding warrantless arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Moreover, he has set a deadline for government attorneys to evaluate a list of 615 detainees to clarify who may qualify for alternatives to detention during immigration proceedings.
Advocates and attorneys representing the detainees hailed this development as a victory, emphasizing the problematic nature of ICE's arrest tactics. All of the tactics of ICE have been unlawful in the vast majority of arrests,” remarked Mark Fleming, a lawyer with the National Immigrant Justice Center in Chicago.
Amidst ongoing evaluations, attorneys expressed urgency. More than 3,300 individuals are rumored to have been arrested under the recent crackdown dubbed Operation Midway Blitz, with many already having been deported or having left voluntarily.
During the hearing, Judge Cummings rebuked ICE for not complying with the requirements of the consent decree, which mandates documentation for arrests. Instances discussed included arrests made at workplaces or public places such as fast-food restaurants. I find it difficult to categorize these individuals as the 'worst of the worst' as ICE has claimed, Cummings stated.
As the situation evolves, tensions remain high between immigrant rights advocates and federal enforcement agencies regarding their operational tactics, which have been called into question by community leaders and activists throughout the area.
