A Cook County judge rejected a petition to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate alleged misconduct by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents operating in the Chicago area.
Plaintiffs sought an independent probe into complaints of excessive force, warrantless entries, and retaliation against activists during Operation Midway Blitz enforcement actions in 2025. The court ruled existing oversight channels were sufficient and that petitioners lacked standing for a special appointment.
Civil rights groups said the decision leaves accountability to federal agencies they argue have been reluctant to discipline agents. ICE maintained its officers followed lawful procedures.
Illinois officials including Governor JB Pritzker have criticized federal immigration tactics while the state pursues separate lawsuits over enforcement methods.
Petitioners cited reports of agents entering homes without judicial warrants during Chicago-area enforcement surges. Federal judges have limited some ICE tactics in separate civil cases. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined multistate challenges to federal immigration policies. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office said it lacks authority to prosecute federal officers without a special appointment.
Civil rights attorneys may pursue federal civil claims despite the state court ruling on a special prosecutor. ICE officials said agents follow warrant requirements and supervision policies. Community organizers continue monitoring enforcement near schools and courthouses.
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Sources:
https://dailycuratednews.substack.com/p/news-headlines-may-22-2026