A federal judge has summoned Greg Bovino, a prominent U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official, to appear in court next week. This summons is part of a lawsuit regarding immigration enforcement methods used in Chicago. Bovino oversees CBP field operations linked to “Operation Midway Blitz.”
Details of the Court Appearance
The status hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in a federal court located in Chicago. This order came through a court filing made public on Friday.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit involves several plaintiffs, including journalists and demonstrators, who allege breaches of a temporary restraining order. This order, issued by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, limits the use of nonlethal munitions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CBP agents without prior warning and justification.
Incident in Little Village
On October 22, 2025, during an immigration raid in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, plaintiffs provided a video suggesting that Bovino deployed tear gas without adequate justification. They claimed that the video depicted Bovino tossing a canister of tear gas towards a crowd of protesters.
Federal Response and Justifications
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security, confirmed that Bovino used “riot control measures” after being targeted by rocks and other projectiles from the crowd. Despite being struck in the head, he did not sustain serious injuries, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Law Enforcement’s Position
McLaughlin stated that Border Patrol agents warned protesters multiple times to retreat before deploying chemical agents. The deployment was characterized as essential for the safety of law enforcement and the public. Law enforcement officials assert that their actions adhered strictly to CBP policies.
Expansion of Deposition Time
Initially, Judge Ellis permitted a twohour deposition of Bovino. However, on Thursday, she extended this duration to five hours, reflecting the complexity and significance of the ongoing litigation.
Key Points
- Greg Bovino is a key CBP leader overseeing “Operation Midway Blitz.”
- Federal court hearing scheduled in Chicago for Tuesday.
- Among the plaintiffs are journalists and demonstrators.
- Incident involved allegations of improper use of tear gas.
- DHS supports the use of riot control measures under policy compliance.