Chicago Journalists Sue the Trump Administration

It is not often you see journalists suing the President of the United States, but that is exactly what is happening as media members and protesters in the Chicago-area have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration.

The suit, filed in federal court on Monday, claims that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have engaged in a “pattern of extreme brutality” in what they describe as a “concerted and ongoing effort to silence the press and civilians.”

The Chicago Headline Club, Chicago Newspaper Guild Local 34071, Block Club Chicago, and other journalists joined protesters in alleging their First Amendment rights have been violated outside the agency’s Broadview processing facility.

“Never in modern times has the federal government undermined bedrock constitutional protections on this scale or usurped states’ police power by directing federal agents to carry out an illegal mission against the people for the government’s own benefit,” the 52-page complaint reads.

Named as defendants in the lawsuit are President Donald Trump, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and several other high-ranking officials.

The lawsuit alleges that ICE agents have repeatedly used tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets against crowds, affecting not just protesters but also first responders, local police, and journalists covering the events. The suit claims federal agents have “aimed to suppress speech and dissent.”

According to Stephanie Lulay, the executive editor of Block Club Chicago, at least four of the outlet's employees or freelancers have been hit with pepper balls and exposed to tear gas since September 19.

The lawsuit follows an incident where an ICE agent allegedly fired a pepper ball at a CBS Chicago reporter, which has since prompted a criminal investigation by Broadview police. Additionally, the complaint details the arrest of Stephen Held, an independent journalist and plaintiff, who was allegedly tackled, thrown to the ground, and detained for hours without charge while filming agents arresting a protester.

“In every city to which they have been deployed, federal forces have used unjustified violence against the press, elected officials, religious leaders, and private individuals engaged in peaceful and protected activities,” the lawsuit states.