JUDGE ORDERS ICE CHICAGO CHIEF TO TESTIFY; ‘MIDWAY BLITZ’ AGENTS MUST WEAR BODY CAMS

A federal judge in Chicago modified a TRO to require Operation Midway Blitz agents to wear body cameras during enforcement actions and ordered ICE Chicago Field Office Director Russell Hott to testify about alleged violations. DHS counsel said not all ICE agents have cameras and cited the shutdown and program differences with CBP as rollout hurdles. The court wants specifics on how many agents are equipped and trained, saying footage will help verify compliance with warnings before using tear gas or rubber rounds. The case marks tightening judicial oversight of ICE/CBP tactics in Chicago after recent clashes and complaints.