Top US Border Official Faces Chicago Judge Over Tear Gas Use on Protesters

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A senior U.S. Border Patrol official has been ordered to appear in a Chicago federal court for allegedly violating a judge’s order that restricted the use of tear gas during law enforcement operations. The case centers on Gregory Bovino, a top Border Patrol executive, who is accused of authorizing or personally deploying tear gas on protesters despite previous court instructions.

The summons was issued by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, who is overseeing ongoing litigation over federal law enforcement conduct during immigration enforcement actions in Chicago.

Judge Ellis’s earlier ruling had limited the use of certain crowd-control measures by federal agents, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray. The court also required officers to wear visible identification and body cameras while interacting with civilians during operations.

New video evidence presented to the court reportedly shows Bovino using or directing the use of tear gas against demonstrators during an immigration enforcement sweep earlier this month. The judge called the evidence “serious enough to warrant direct examination in court.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended its agents’ actions, claiming that officers acted lawfully and only deployed chemical agents after protesters threw objects and fireworks at them. A DHS spokesperson stated that “federal agents were responding to escalating threats while attempting to maintain public safety.”

However, civil rights attorneys representing protesters argue that the incident reflects a “clear disregard for judicial oversight” and raises questions about the federal government’s compliance with previous court directives.

The case comes as federal law enforcement agencies face increased scrutiny over their use of force during immigration and protest operations. The Chicago hearing is expected to test how far court orders can go in limiting federal authority during on-ground enforcement actions.

Judge Ellis has scheduled an in-person hearing for next week, where Bovino is expected to testify under oath.