Illinois and Chicago are suing the federal government, claiming the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement tactics are causing fear and turmoil within the state.
The 103-page lawsuit, filed Monday, alleges that Border Patrol agents were encouraged to aggressively expand immigration enforcement. It claims agents have acted more like occupiers than law enforcement officers, randomly stopping and questioning residents, separating families, detaining people without proper warrants, and even using tear gas in urban areas, resulting in injuries to bystanders, including children and the elderly.
Border Patrol agents leave after detaining a man working near Frederick Stock Public School during immigration enforcement operations, Oct. 31, 2025, in Chicago.
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The state and city argue these actions violate the 10th Amendment and are a strain on Illinois residents. They also claim the use of biometric screening targets citizens in violation of the Illinois constitution.
The lawsuit seeks a court order to stop Border Patrol from conducting civil immigration enforcement within Illinois, and also halting the use of biometric screening and “roving” enforcement tactics.
-ABC News’ Luke barr