A federal judge has issued a clear, urgent order: all ICE agents operating in the Chicago area must wear body cameras—and keep them on.

This comes after disturbing footage showed federal immigration officers deploying tear gas and using aggressive tactics against peaceful protesters and community members. The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, follows growing alarm about unchecked ICE activity under Operation Midway Blitz, a federal immigration crackdown that’s led to over 1,000 arrests in the area since September.

“I’m not blind,” Judge Ellis said from the bench. “I live in Chicago.” She added that she was “startled” by footage showing violent clashes between agents and civilians, and made it clear: accountability is not optional.

Despite this, a Justice Department attorney pushed back, blaming “selectively edited media” and saying cameras couldn’t be deployed immediately. But ICE has had years to prepare. In 2024, the agency began distributing 1,600 body cameras to agents in other cities. Chicago wasn’t included—even though it’s the third-largest city in the U.S.

This isn’t just a policy issue—it’s about community safety and basic civil rights. ICE has operated with little transparency for years. Now that a judge has taken action, the public must ensure her order is followed—immediately and in full.

We demand that DHS and ICE expedite the distribution and activation of body cameras for all immigration enforcement agents in Chicago, as required by Judge Ellis’s order. The field director responsible for this operation must be held accountable if compliance is delayed or denied.

No more excuses. No more shadow operations. Chicagoans deserve transparency and justice. Add your name if you believe body cameras should be turned on—and the truth should be seen.

Photo Credit: Scott Olson / Getty Images