Border Patrol Agents in Chicago now Wearing Body Cameras

CHICAGO (AP) – U.S. Border Patrol agents working on immigration enforcement in the Chicago area are now equipped with body cameras, an official said Monday during a court hearing examining the Trump administration’s increased enforcement efforts. These efforts have led to over 1,000 arrests, but also concerns that agents are becoming more aggressive in their tactics.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis ordered uniformed agents to activate their cameras during arrests, searches of individuals, building searches, and when responding to protests, if cameras are available.

Kyle Harvick, deputy incident commander with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, informed the judge that “each Border Patrol agent participating in Operation Midway Blitz now has a body-worn camera.”

He stated there are 201 Border Patrol agents currently stationed in the Chicago area. Other federal agencies, like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, are also contributing to the operation.

The hearing is part of a lawsuit brought by news organizations and community groups who have been observing protests and arrests in the area. Earlier this month,Judge Ellis mandated that agents display visible badges and prohibited the use of specific riot control methods against peaceful protesters and journalists.

Last Thursday, she expressed surprise after viewing television footage of street confrontations where agents deployed tear gas and other forceful tactics.

Harvick defended the