CHICAGO – Activists and attorneys in Chicago have accused federal immigration agents of unlawfully arresting 22 individuals, including one U.S. citizen, during enforcement actions in the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term. These arrests purportedly breach a 2022 agreement between local groups and the federal authorities, outlining strict guidelines for so-called “collateral arrests.” These detentions, which can involve individuals other than the primary targets, are governed by agreements covering Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Wisconsin – states falling under the jurisdiction of the Chicago ICE office.
Attorney Mark Fleming, representing the National Immigrant Justice Center, criticized the administration at a recent news conference, suggesting a deeper investigation into the nature of those being detained. The center has formally lodged a federal complaint on behalf of Chicago advocacy groups, highlighting these alleged breaches. The agreement stipulates that ICE can only make warrantless arrests if there’s concrete evidence suggesting an individual might abscond.
The groups are now advocating for the release of two detained individuals, penalties against arresting officers, and increased transparency regarding the operational practices of the agency. ICE remained tight-lipped on the matter, citing the ongoing litigation.
The Trump administration, known for its assertive stance on immigration enforcement, has focused particularly on cities like Chicago that are considered sanctuary cities due to their limited cooperation with federal immigration enforces. In a bid to reinforce its policy stance, the administration launched an enforcement operation in January in Chicago with prominent immigration officials in attendance.
However, specific details of the arrest protocols remain unclear. The fallout from this new federal complaint might extend beyond the six states due to its potentially broad implications, opening pathways for advocates in other regions to join the cause.
Amid those detained, one individual was deported, 19 were released on bond, while the U.S. citizen involved was eventually let go after being held in handcuffs for several hours. Only one individual in the complaint had any prior criminal record, a DUI charge, per the legal representatives.
Among those arrested is Abel Orozco Ortega, 47, who was detained on January 26 while returning home with food for his family. Although ICE was searching for one of Ortega’s sons sharing his name, Ortega remains detained in Indiana. His family reports that he has no criminal history, and the arrest has left them struggling financially, especially as his wife battles breast cancer.
“We’re all human, we deserve to be treated as such,” stated his son Eduardo Ortega, a U.S. citizen, during a press gathering.
The complaint also cites an incident on February 7 at a Mexican restaurant in Liberty, Missouri, where agents detained 12 people after questioning staff over a protracted period without possessing sufficient probable cause.
The federal administration is required to respond to this complaint in court by early April, with the standing agreement set to expire in May.
