A federal judge in Chicago indicated that hundreds of immigrants detained during recent enforcement operations could soon be released on bond. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings announced during a hearing that he will order the release of 13 individuals immediately and temporarily pause deportation proceedings for others who may qualify under a 2022 consent decree.
The decree outlines limits on warrantless arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Cummings gave government attorneys until Friday to review a list of 615 detainees held in county jails and federal facilities to determine eligibility for alternatives to detention, such as ankle monitors.
Key Details:
- The crackdown, known as Operation Midway Blitz, began in September and has led to more than 3,300 arrests in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
- Attorneys argue that ICE violated the consent decree by arresting individuals without proper documentation.
- The judge plans to issue a broader release order next week, while attorneys for detainees call the move a major victory.
Government lawyers warned that at least 12 detainees are considered “high risk” and should not be released. Meanwhile, advocates stress that many detainees lack legal counsel and understanding of their rights.