7th Circuit Blocks Daily Court Check-Ins for Border Patrol Chief Bovino

A federal appeals court has blocked a district court order requiring Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino to report daily to Judge Sara Ellis regarding the use of force during immigration raids in Chicago, ruling that the order infringed on the separation of powers and improperly placed the court in a supervisory role over executive branch personnel. The original order followed allegations of excessive force, including the use of tear gas against protesters, journalists, and clergy, with Judge Ellis also mandating body-worn cameras and detailed reporting on arrests and use-of-force incidents. The Trump administration challenged the daily reporting requirement, arguing it disrupted executive functions and constituted judicial overreach. The appeals court agreed that the daily check-ins were an extraordinary and disruptive requirement and granted a stay on the order, allowing Bovino to avoid daily court appearances while the case proceeds. However, other reporting and documentation requirements remain, with the court continuing to receive information about federal agents' use of force and arrests. This legal battle highlights tensions between judicial oversight and executive authority amid controversial immigration enforcement actions in Chicago.