Judge temporarily blocks release of 'Operation Midway Blitz' detainees
Release of hundreds of ICE detainees in Chicago on hold
A federal court has temporarily halted the release of hundreds of Operation Midway Blitz detainees.
CHICAGO - A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked a judge’s order to release hundreds of people arrested during "Operation Midway Blitz," the federal immigration crackdown in the Chicago area.
What we know:
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued the order on Thursday, staying two rulings from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings that would have allowed for the release of hundreds of detainees held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The stay remains in effect while the appeals court considers the government’s emergency motion. Oral arguments are scheduled for Dec. 2.
The backstory:
Earlier this month, Judge Cummings said he could order the release of hundreds of people detained under Operation Midway Blitz, citing constitutional concerns raised by attorneys with the National Immigrant Justice Center and the ACLU.
Featured
Judge to release hundreds detained by ICE in Chicago area
A federal judge could order the release of hundreds of ICE detainees whom attorneys argue were wrongfully arrested.
Those attorneys argued that ICE detained individuals without serious criminal histories or warrants, violating a 2018 consent decree prohibiting "collateral arrests" through traffic stops or similar actions.
What's next:
The appellate hearing next month will determine whether the temporary stay remains in effect or if detainees can begin to be released under home confinement as previously ordered.
The outcome could affect hundreds, and possibly thousands, of people held in ICE custody.
The Source: The information in this story came from court documents released by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and previous FOX 32 reporting.