ICE agents violated rights of 22 during arrests

Federal immigration agents are accused of violating the rights of 22 people, including a U.S. citizen, during arrests in Chicago. Activists and attorneys claim these arrests, which occurred early in President Donald Trump's second term, broke a 2022 agreement that governs how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can conduct operations. The agreement stems from a lawsuit concerning past immigration sweeps. It allows ICE to make warrantless arrests only when they have evidence that a person is likely to escape. The complaint, filed by the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), claims that ICE did not follow these rules and that they are seeking changes in agency practices. Many of those arrested had no serious criminal records. One man, 47-year-old Abel Orozco Ortega, was detained while getting food for his family. ICE was reportedly looking for his son, who has the same name. Orozco Ortega remains in detention, and his family is struggling financially without him. The complaint highlights that some arrests were made during a sweep at a Mexican restaurant, where agents questioned staff without sufficient cause. The advocates are asking for more transparency in ICE's processes and for the release of the detained individuals. The federal government is expected to respond in court by early April.