ICE Allegedly Violated Rights of US Citizen and 21 Others During Arrests in Chicago

Federal immigration agents are accused of violating the rights of 22 individuals, including a US citizen, during enforcement arrests early in President Donald Trump's second term. Chicago activists and attorneys claim these arrests breach a 2022 agreement between local groups and the federal government. This agreement outlines how US Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officers can conduct "collateral arrests," where they detain individuals other than their primary targets.

The 2022 settlement, which resulted from a lawsuit over 2018 immigration sweeps, applies to Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Wisconsin under the ICE office in Chicago. The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) filed a federal complaint last week on behalf of Chicago advocacy groups. The complaint highlights alleged violations of this agreement.

Allegations Against ICE

Mark Fleming, an attorney with the NIJC, stated at a news conference, "Every time you hear from this administration about how they're rounding up gang members, terrorists, the worst of the worst, you need to take a dose of reality. You need to dig deeper to understand who exactly they are arresting." The NIJC's complaint emphasizes that ICE agents can only make warrantless arrests when there is evidence that an individual is likely to escape.

The advocacy groups are demanding the release of two detained individuals, sanctions against the arresting officers, and increased transparency in ICE's operations. ICE declined to comment on Monday due to pending litigation. Aggressive immigration enforcement has been a key focus of the Trump administration's agenda, especially in sanctuary cities like Chicago that limit cooperation between federal immigration agents and local police.

Impact of Enforcement Operations

In January, the Trump administration gathered top immigration officials in Chicago to launch an enforcement operation with live cameras rolling. However, details about how these arrests are conducted remain limited. While the 2022 settlement covers only six states, the new federal complaint could have nationwide implications if advocates in other states join the effort.

Of those arrested, two were deported, 19 were released on bond, and one US citizen was released after being handcuffed for hours. Most individuals in the complaint have no criminal records except for one person charged with driving under the influence. Among those detained is Abel Orozco Ortega, a 47-year-old man arrested on January 26 while returning home after buying tamales for his family.

Personal Stories Highlighted

According to the complaint, ICE was actually searching for one of Ortega's sons who shares his name. Ortega remains detained in Indiana despite having no criminal record. His family struggles financially without him as his wife battles breast cancer. Eduardo Ortega, his son and a US citizen, said at a news conference, "We're all human; we deserve to be treated as such."

Twelve arrests occurred during a February 7 immigration sweep at a Mexican restaurant in Liberty, Missouri. Armed agents questioned employees for hours before lunch. The complaint alleges agents lacked probable cause that individuals would flee before obtaining warrants. The federal government must respond in court by early April; the current agreement expires in May.