In the bustling city of Chicago, a federal judge is currently weighing the future of restrictions on federal agents deployed in the city as part of the contentious Operation Midway Blitz. This development comes amidst heated debates and a courtroom filled with testimonies from a wide range of voices.

On Wednesday, protesters, elected officials, and media representatives came forward with accusations that federal agents have repeatedly violated constitutional rights through excessive force. These claims are strongly refuted by the government, which insists that agents have been judicious, targeting only rioters and sparing peaceful demonstrators.

The judge, taking into account the testimonies and evidence presented, has promised to deliver a decision on Thursday morning, which could significantly impact the ongoing federal presence in Chicago.

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This legal confrontation originates from a lawsuit filed by various media organizations against the Department of Homeland Security. They challenge the forceful tactics employed by federal agents against both protesters and journalists, sparking a month-long legal tussle that reached its preliminary injunction hearing this week.

In response to these concerns, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis had previously issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) that curtailed the use of chemical agents by federal forces. However, plaintiffs argue that this order has been breached numerous times, allegedly including violations by CBP Commander Gregory Bovino. This TRO is set to expire on Thursday, adding urgency to the judge’s impending decision.

Attorneys representing journalists, clergymen and demonstrators who say they’ve been harmed by federal immigration agents during protests and operations were expected to show images and videos of confrontations with agents and also call on witnesses in court.

Judge Ellis’ temporary restraining order restricts federal agents from using “riot control weapons” against journalists, protestors and religious practitioners without first issuing warnings unless necessary to stop an immediate threat.

Plaintiffs argued the incidents shown in court to the judge violate the judge’s order.

Government lawyers said agents have a right to protect themselves while DHS says agents have been harassed and followed by what they call violent protestors.

Bovino was not in court Wednesday as attorneys allege overnight he lied under oath about an incident last month, where he is seen lobbing tear gas at Little Village protestors during a confrontation with agents amid immigration operations.

DHS argued a rock was thrown at Bovino and struck him in the head, but plaintiffs argue they have not found footage showing a rock striking Bovino.

Through a recorded deposition taken last week, Bovino insisted that all uses of force so far have been perpetrated not on peaceful protesters but on what he calls violent rioters.

Bovino said at one point, “I believe that all uses of force that I have seen and all arrests that I have seen have been more than exemplary.”

Bovino’s comments were contradicted by the testimony of nine witnesses called by plaintiffs: elected officials, media representatives and everyday people describing their interactions with federal agents during protests that have broken out, not just outside ICE’s Broadview facility but also in neighborhoods across the city during the aftermath of immigration enforcement activities. Some detailing how they had weapons pointed at them simply for recording what they saw. Others recounting their experiences being tear gassed or shot with pepper bullets. Significant amounts of surveillance and cell phone video backing these testimonies up were also presented in court.

SEE ALSO | Judge issues temporary restraining order against DHS for Broadview ICE facility conditions