From Newsweek · · 1m 30s
ICE Accountability Push After Chicago Crackdown
Attorney claims ICE agents will face accountability for excessive force in Chicago crackdown.
In brief
Attorney claims ICE agents will face accountability for excessive force in Chicago crackdown. An attorney representing Illinois citizens who filed FTCA claims against ICE over Operation Midway Blitz says video evidence shows excessive force and agents will be held accountable soon. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Attorney claims ice accountability
Antonio Romanucci of Romanucci & Blandin says u.s. immigration and customs enforcement agents will face accountability very very soon for alleged excessive force in chicago.
“i anticipate that in the very near future there will be additional accountability that our administration and certain individuals will have to account for”
Operation midway blitz details
The operation detained more than 4500 immigrants in chicago and surrounding communities last year, sparking protests and legal challenges.
“the department of homeland security says the operation detained more than 4500 immigrants”
Claimants include journalists and citizens
Juan Munoz, an oak park elected official, and journalist Leigh Kunkel filed claims over unlawful detention and force during protests.
“as a citizen and elected official who had their rights violated, what happened to me has changed how i understand the responsibility that comes with public office”
Consequences of excessive force
Kyle frankovich reported families destroyed, people shot, and permanent disabilities from ice operations in chicago.
“families were destroyed. people were shot. many have been left permanently disabled and some have died”
Video evidence of violations
Romanucci says video footage collected during operation midway blitz shows constitutional rights being violated hundreds of times per day.
“the video doesn't lie”
Dhs response to claims
Dhs claims agents acted lawfully while detaining immigrants and will continue arresting the worst of the worst alleged illegal immigrants.
“agitators who obstruct or assault federal law enforcement officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”
Legal process timeline
Claimants must file administrative claims with dhs; if unresolved after six months, they can move to federal court.
“we will seek recourse in any which way we can, and if we can sue the federal agents, we will”
Accountability target
Romanucci aims to secure damages for claimants and establish accountability for policies he argues were unlawful.
“we will target the administration and the agencies for the wrongdoings and the policies which they implemented, which were clearly unconstitutional from the get go”
At a glance
An attorney representing Illinois citizens who filed FTCA claims against ICE over Operation Midway Blitz says video evidence shows excessive force and agents will be held accountable soon.
