DOJ Disputes Claim Operation midway Blitz Has Ended, Despite Agent Departure from Chicago
CHICAGO, IL – The Department of Justice is pushing back against assertions that “Operation Midway Blitz,” a controversial immigration enforcement operation in the chicago area, has concluded, even as federal agents reportedly left the city. the dispute emerged during a court hearing following a statement from plaintiffs’ attorney David Owens of Loevy & Loevy, who declared victory after the agents’ departure, stating, “The peopel of Chicago stood up too the Trump administration’s bullying and intimidation.”
U.S.Department of Justice attorney Elizabeth Hedges characterized the plaintiffs’ claim as “obvious procedural gamesmanship” and insisted the administration is “pushing back on that as a factual matter.” While Hedges stopped short of confirming a return of agents, she stated, “We’re not committing one way or the other on the future.”
The legal battle stems from allegations of excessive force used against protesters during the operation. Judge Ellis had scheduled a trial for March 2, prompted by reports that a larger contingent of agents, led by Bovino, would return in the early spring. That trial, along with related arguments before the 7th circuit, have now been canceled.
Hedges also attempted to argue that a dismissal of the lawsuit would prevent future legal challenges regarding potential constitutional violations by immigration agents. However, both Judge Ellis and plaintiffs’ attorney Craig Futterman of the University of Chicago Law School’s Mandel Legal Aid Clinic refuted this claim. “A dismissal of this lawsuit can in no way give defendants a free hall pass…to commit other constitutional violations,” Futterman argued. Judge Ellis echoed this sentiment, adding, “that’s not how the law works.”
Ellis further indicated his disagreement with the administration’s position, stating after reviewing evidence, “having watched the videos, having read the reports, having listened to the witnesses, I strongly disagree” that agents acted legally or constitutionally.