The Chicago Headline Club’s board of directors applauds the decision by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis to issue a preliminary injunction designed to prevent further abuses by federal immigration agents against the press covering “Operation Midway Blitz.”
“Press freedom is a precious constitutional right, and we refuse to back down when any government attempts to prevent reporters from doing their jobs: telling the truth,” the board said of this week’s ruling. “Chicago-area journalists repeatedly found themselves attacked by federal agents without justification. We chose to fight back in a court of law and won.
“We will remain vigilant so that fact-based and honest journalism can tell the stories that need to be told.”
Judge Ellis made it clear in court that the unwarranted use of force by federal authorities in Chicago and its suburbs “shocks the conscience.” She found the government’s explanations for their actions “simply not credible,” pointing out that Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino even lied under oath.
The judge’s injunction largely mirrors her earlier temporary restraining order:
- Federal agents must not use tear gas without objective justification and only after issuing two warnings.
- Agents are required to wear body cameras and display clear identification.
- The injunction underscores the rights of journalists to report without interference.
- Federal agents are prohibited from targeting journalists who are simply gathering news.
The Headline Club joined several prominent media organizations in bringing the case, including Block Club Chicago and the Chicago Newspaper Guild.
The full written injunction, available on the Headline Club website, also addresses the rights of protesters, preachers, and others.
The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, which documents journalists being attacked or accosted by federal agents, shows 32 recorded incidents in Illinois this year.
Border Patrol Commander’s Deposition
Watch Border Patrol Commander Bovino’s deposition, released after the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and Chicago Public Media petitioned the court for its release.