Gregory Bovino, a prominent Border Patrol official, became the public face of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown in Chicago. His team, operating under the name "Operation Midway Blitz," was known for its assertive presence.
This operation, however, drew significant legal challenges. Allegations of excessive force, including the use of tear gas on protesters and even families near a Halloween parade, brought Bovino into the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis.
Judge Ellis expressed deep concern that Bovino's agents were violating a temporary restraining order meant to limit their use of force. She reminded Bovino of his oath to uphold the Constitution and sharply questioned his team's actions, which had been widely seen in videos.
Instead of a simple warning, Judge Ellis imposed a strict regimen of accountability. She ordered Bovino to appear in her chambers every weekday evening to report on his team's activities and any use of force.
This order placed Bovino's unit under intense judicial scrutiny. The judge's decision was a clear assertion of judicial authority over executive branch operations, ensuring that the actions of federal agents in Chicago would be closely monitored.