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Mar 25, 2026

Obama Judge Limits Use Of Riot Control Tools In Anti-ICE Protests

BREAKING: Obama-Appointed Judge Limits Riot Control Tactics in Anti-ICE Protests

A federal judge appointed during the Obama administration has issued a sweeping ruling that significantly restricts how federal immigration agents can respond to protests, marking a major development in the ongoing legal battle over enforcement tactics in the United States.

U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, based in Chicago, ordered new limits on the use of riot control tools—such as tear gas, pepper balls, and flash-bang grenades—during demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision comes after mounting concerns over how federal agents handled protests tied to a large-scale immigration operation known as Operation Midway Blitz.

Key Restrictions on Federal Agents

Under the ruling, federal officers are prohibited from using riot control weapons unless there is an immediate threat to safety. In addition, agents must:

  • Issue clear verbal warnings before deploying any force
  • Allow protesters time to comply or disperse
  • Avoid targeting journalists, clergy, or nonviolent individuals
  • Wear visible identification and body cameras during operations

The judge emphasized that force should only be used as a last resort, not as a tool to control or discourage peaceful demonstrations.

Concerns Over Excessive Force

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