Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino Faces Accusations of Restraining Order Violation in Little Village Tear Gas Incident

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino faces serious allegations after violating a temporary restraining order aimed at protecting protesters and journalists during immigration enforcement operations in Illinois.

Recently, a group of journalists and First Amendment advocates, who secured this restraining order earlier in October, filed a notice with U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis. They claimed Bovino was seen on video throwing tear gas at protesters in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.

The confrontation unfolded near the Discount Mall as CBP agents attempted immigration enforcement. A live-streamed video captured Bovino tossing at least one canister of tear gas into the crowd.

The plaintiffs highlighted important details from the video, which reportedly shows Bovino throwing tear gas canisters over the heads of fellow agents and toward protesters, including individuals recording the event. They argue this act violates multiple terms of the restraining order, which prohibits federal agents from using force or dispersal orders against those peacefully protesting or documenting the events.

In addition, the order restricts the use of crowd control weapons, including tear gas, unless under urgent conditions. Other agents involved in the confrontation also faced similar accusations for their actions and lack of visible identification.

During the incident, a woman recording the event was reportedly confronted by agents, leading to her being pulled to the ground and restrained.

When speaking to CBS News, Bovino defended the actions of his team, stating that since September 6, they have made nearly 2,700 arrests, claiming they targeted serious criminals, including gang members and potential terrorists.

In response to these events, Judge Ellis ordered Bovino and other key agents to answer questions about their use of force during the immigration crackdown, despite the previous restrictions on using tear gas.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced the establishment of the Illinois Accountability Commission to document instances of civil rights abuses by federal agents during these operations. This commission aims to preserve hundreds of collected videos and accounts for future legal actions, a step toward holding the federal government accountable.

As these developments unfold, the community’s reaction is mixed, with growing concerns over the use of heavy-handed tactics. Social media has become a platform for dialogue, showcasing varied opinions about law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement and the protection of civil rights.

In summary, the actions of federal agents in this Chicago community raise vital questions about the balance between law enforcement and civil liberties—a dialogue that is sure to continue as this case progresses.

For more information, you can explore the full legal document regarding the allegations here.

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Little Village, Chicago, U.S. Customs and Border Protection