The BareStory
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection commander leading federal immigration enforcement in Chicago, Greg Bovino, is expected to depart his post in the coming days. According to multiple sources, his departure represents a leadership change, but the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will maintain its presence in the city. DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin stated that the agency is not leaving Chicago.
Bovino’s anticipated departure follows a period of scrutiny over the tactics used by federal agents during recent immigration protests in Chicago and other cities. A review of videos from the demonstrations showed agents using chokeholds, firing pepper spray at close range, and using less-lethal munitions on protesters.
Commander Bovino defended the agents' actions, stating the use of force was in line with policy and that protesters were trespassing. He also confirmed no agents in Chicago have been disciplined. In a statement, DHS’s McLaughlin said agents are trained to use minimum force and have acted with restraint, while alleging that protesters threw rocks, slashed tires, and destroyed property.
Conversely, a former federal agent, Eric Balliet, reviewed dozens of the videos and described the force as excessive, according to one summary. The agents' tactics led to a complaint in federal court, after which a judge issued an order blocking agents from using chemical sprays or other less-lethal weapons unless necessary to stop an immediate physical threat. The administration has appealed the ruling.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• The Department of Homeland Security will maintain its presence in U.S. cities, meaning federal agents will continue operations related to immigration and protest response.
• The outcome of a legal appeal may set future rules for how federal agents can use less-lethal weapons and chemical sprays during public demonstrations.
• Federal use-of-force policies may remain unchanged, as the agency defended its tactics and confirmed no agents in Chicago have been disciplined for their actions.
