Judge Orders ICE Agents in Chicago to Wear Body Cameras
Tensions continue to rise in Chicago as a federal judge has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to wear body cameras during immigration operations.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Sara L. Ellis of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on October 16, 2025, came amid ongoing clashes between ICE agents and protesters opposing the Trump administration’s deportation policies.
This decision follows a Temporary Restraining Order issued earlier on October 9, which barred officers from using riot control equipment, tear gas, or physical force against peaceful protesters.
During the hearing, government counsel Sean Skedzielewski argued that federal agencies lacked enough cameras for every officer. Judge Ellis acknowledged the shortage but scheduled another hearing for October 20 to discuss solutions.
“I would not be expecting agents to wear body-worn cameras they do not have,” Ellis stated.