Uncertainty surrounds DHS court appearance set for Monday following clashes with protesters

CHICAGO (WGN) — Last week, a federal judge ordered the leader of Chicago’s immigration operation to appear in court Monday. Yet as of now, there is confusion over which official will represent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Recent clashes between protesters and federal agents have become increasingly common in Chicagoland, prompting action from the courts.

Judge Sara Ellis previously banned federal agents from using certain riot control techniques against peaceful protesters and journalists. However, she expressed concern last week about possible violations of that order during a series of incidents on the Southeast Side.

Agents used a PIT maneuver to stop a vehicle in a residential neighborhood and arrested two people in the SUV, who they say are undocumented Venezuelans and allegedly rammed the agents’ vehicle first. The stop sparked a tense standoff.

WGN-TV cameras captured what appears to be an egg thrown at agents, who responded by deploying tear gas into the crowd. A DHS official claimed protesters were throwing rocks.

In response, Judge Ellis modified her temporary restraining order, requiring all agents involved in Operation Midway Blitz to wear body cameras and ensure they are turned on.

She also ordered a top Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official to appear in court Monday. But as of Friday, that official is returning to his previous role on the East Coast.

In a statement to WGN, a DHS spokesperson said:

“Russell Hott is the permanent Field Office Director for the Washington, D.C. area of responsibility, not Chicago. He served in Chicago as interim FOD and this is a planned return to his permanent office in D.C.”

According to the statement, Samuel Olson, normally stationed at the ICE field office in Minnesota, will now serve as interim leader in Chicago. But it appears he may not be in court either.

Court documents show the Department of Justice has requested that Kyle Harvick of Customs and Border Protection answer Judge Ellis’ questions instead. The documents state DHS believes Border Patrol is primarily involved in the incidents at issue, not ICE.

Court is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday.