Key takeaways:
• Former prosecutor Brian Kolp recovered a tear gas canister from his lawn.
• Agents tackled a landscaper and used tear gas near families heading to a Halloween parade.
• A court order bans tear gas on peaceful people, yet agents ignored it.
• A lawsuit is forming, using the canister as proof of illegal force.
• Neighbors worry tear gas raids may become Chicago’s new normal.
Federal agents deploy tear gas near costumed families
A startling morning in Old Irving Park
Last Saturday, parents and kids in costumes left for a local parade. Suddenly, two agents in fatigues chased a landscaper down the block. They tackled him on a neighbor’s front lawn. Moments later, agents fired tear gas into the street. Thick smoke drifted among houses and yards. Children coughed, and parents hurried them back inside. One man poured water on a burning canister. His eyes burned as he picked it up.
A lawyer as an unexpected witness
Brian Kolp, a former Cook County prosecutor, watched news of the raid live. He saw agents in military gear tackle a man on his street. Concerned, he stepped outside and found a hot tear gas canister in his yard. He sealed it in a bag and gave it to a law firm. He believes it proves agents broke a judge’s order. He said judges need real evidence to make fair rulings.
Families caught in the crossfire
Parents tried to shield children from the gas cloud. One child’s costume got soaked in water to ease the burn. Neighbors filmed the chaos and shouted at officers to stop. A guest at the parade heard a whistle and warned others. A 67-year-old woman was knocked to the ground by masked agents. A 70-year-old man was also detained. Officials claimed they assaulted officers, but no proof emerged. In nearby Avondale, another agent pushed a woman off her bike. Protesters threw a rock at an unmarked vehicle in response.
Court order vs. reality
Earlier this month, Judge Sara Ellis barred federal agents from firing tear gas at peaceful residents. The order applied when people posed no immediate threat. Yet agents have used tear gas seven times in 22 days. They even attacked three straight days before the parade incident. Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the detentions. She claimed officers faced assaults, but offered no evidence. Critics call this a clear violation of the court’s ban.
A community on edge
Residents now react to whistles and sirens with fear. A rapid response team texts warnings when ICE moves in. Many families skip weekend outings to stay safe indoors. Local shops report fewer customers on Saturday mornings. Some homes display “Know Your Rights” signs in windows. A mother said her daughter now hides whenever she smells tear gas. The annual parade saw far fewer trick-or-treaters this year.
What’s next for the tear gas debate
Lawyers preparing the lawsuit plan to highlight the canister as key proof. They will argue agents violated constitutional rights and the court order. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino must answer questions in court this week. He faces scrutiny for repeated tear gas use in residential areas. If he cannot justify each attack, the judge may tighten or expand the ban. Residents hope this legal fight will stop tear gas raids on quiet streets. For now, Chicagoans wait to see if their homes stay safe from smoky invasions.
FAQs
Is using tear gas against peaceful residents legal?
A federal judge barred tear gas use against people who pose no immediate threat. Yet agents kept firing canisters during recent raids. This clash set the stage for a new lawsuit.
Why did a former prosecutor collect the tear gas canister?
Brian Kolp knew evidence could sway the judge’s view. He found the still-hot canister and preserved it. Now it may prove federal agents broke the court order.
How have residents responded to the raids?
Neighbors formed rapid response groups to warn each other. Many families now choose to stay home on weekends. Some share videos and photos to document each raid.
What happens in court this week?
Border Patrol Chief Bovino must explain the continued tear gas use. Lawyers will press him on each incident after the judge’s ban. The ruling may shape future rules for federal agents.