Dave Byrnes
@djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Forklift-certified journalist in Chicago. Politics, courts & labor. Words in the Chicago Reader, Unraveled Press, The TRiiBE, Courthouse News Service and some other ones I forget right now. All opinions & bad jokes my own. DM me for news tips/Signal info.
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
DAILY MEMO: Border Patrol Is Back And Targeted Southeast Los Angeles, Ripping Parents From Their Children and More
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@eltragon.bsky.social
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@eltragon.bsky.social
December 3, 2025 at 6:36 AM
DAILY MEMO: Border Patrol Is Back And Targeted Southeast Los Angeles, Ripping Parents From Their Children and More
Want to help? Become a member!
@eltragon.bsky.social
Want to help? Become a member!
@eltragon.bsky.social
Magistrate Judge Laura McNally in Chicago has entered her order re: attorney access to the Broadview, IL ICE facility.
Lawyers for the plaintiff class of detainees will be able to conduct interviews at the facility within a 2 hour visit window, but must give the facility 24 hours' advance notice.
Lawyers for the plaintiff class of detainees will be able to conduct interviews at the facility within a 2 hour visit window, but must give the facility 24 hours' advance notice.
![Image text:
NOTIFICATION OF DOCKET ENTRY
This docket entry was made by the Clerk on Wednesday, December 3, 2025:
MINUTE entry before the Honorable Laura K. McNally: Status conference held.
The parties report that they have reached an agreement in principle that will result in the
cancellation of the 12/17/25 preliminary injunction hearing. The parties will report further
to Judge Gettleman regarding their plans for next steps. In the meantime, Plaintiffs'
motion to compel [109] and Defendants' motion for protective order [115] are entered and
continued, with the following exceptions: First, Plaintiffs' request for periodic production
of the Broadview daily detainee logs is granted. Defendants shall produce the Broadview
daily logs once per week on a rolling basis until further order of Court. By agreement, the
productions will be made each Wednesday. Second, Plaintiffs' request for access to the
Broadview facility to conduct in−person attorney−client meetings with class members is
granted. Upon 24−hours' notice (minimum), class counsel may conduct confidential
interviews of detainees at the Broadview facility. These interviews shall take place during
a two−hour window and must not interfere with the functioning of the detention facility.
No more than two counsel (or one counsel and one paralegal), along with one translator,
may attend, absent agreement of the parties. Attendee names shall be provided to the
Defendants in advance. At the beginning of each visit, Defendants shall provide to class
counsel a list of all detainees currently at the facility. Class counsel shall be afforded the
opportunity to briefly address the detainees as a group in order to explain their role and
invite detainees to participate in interviews. No detainee may be required to participate in
any interviews. Third, by agreement, the parties will work together to facilitate class
counsel's ability to speak with class members at ICE detention facilities outside Illinois.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7422wlmkminudypjv6cywlzl/bafkreieevwjvk6avvzo4ocadxztsfjwpsvckvc7xexrcmiigxe3eprr5gy@jpeg)
December 4, 2025 at 4:05 AM
Magistrate Judge Laura McNally in Chicago has entered her order re: attorney access to the Broadview, IL ICE facility.
Lawyers for the plaintiff class of detainees will be able to conduct interviews at the facility within a 2 hour visit window, but must give the facility 24 hours' advance notice.
Lawyers for the plaintiff class of detainees will be able to conduct interviews at the facility within a 2 hour visit window, but must give the facility 24 hours' advance notice.
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
JUST IN: Charges to be dismissed against Laugh Factory manager Nathan Griffin, who was arrested after allegedly closing a car door on an immigration agent's leg.
The deadline to indict was today, but the feds instead moved to dismiss the complaint
Background: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/05/i...
The deadline to indict was today, but the feds instead moved to dismiss the complaint
Background: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/05/i...
Immigration agents testify in hearing on arrest of Laugh Factory manager
Federal judge finds government met burden to charge Laugh Factory manager after agents make rare appearance in court.
www.chicagotribune.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:23 PM
JUST IN: Charges to be dismissed against Laugh Factory manager Nathan Griffin, who was arrested after allegedly closing a car door on an immigration agent's leg.
The deadline to indict was today, but the feds instead moved to dismiss the complaint
Background: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/05/i...
The deadline to indict was today, but the feds instead moved to dismiss the complaint
Background: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/05/i...
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
U.S. prosecutors in Chicago are dropping another case tied to Operation Midway Blitz, "without prejudice."
It's USA v. Nathan Griffin. Below is the motion, followed by excerpts from the complaint.
The feds don't say why they're dropping it, but they had until today to secure an indictment.
It's USA v. Nathan Griffin. Below is the motion, followed by excerpts from the complaint.
The feds don't say why they're dropping it, but they had until today to secure an indictment.
December 3, 2025 at 9:35 PM
U.S. prosecutors in Chicago are dropping another case tied to Operation Midway Blitz, "without prejudice."
It's USA v. Nathan Griffin. Below is the motion, followed by excerpts from the complaint.
The feds don't say why they're dropping it, but they had until today to secure an indictment.
It's USA v. Nathan Griffin. Below is the motion, followed by excerpts from the complaint.
The feds don't say why they're dropping it, but they had until today to secure an indictment.
New in the federal lawsuit alleging poor conditions at the Broadview, IL ICE facility: During a 3 pm court call on discovery issues, the govt's legal team said it would be open to extending a prior court order mandating better conditions at the facility.
That order was set to expire Dec. 17.
That order was set to expire Dec. 17.
December 3, 2025 at 9:44 PM
New in the federal lawsuit alleging poor conditions at the Broadview, IL ICE facility: During a 3 pm court call on discovery issues, the govt's legal team said it would be open to extending a prior court order mandating better conditions at the facility.
That order was set to expire Dec. 17.
That order was set to expire Dec. 17.
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
illinois secretary of state alexi giannoulias sent letters to 19 rental car companies warning them against letting feds swap out license plates on their vehicles.
nbc news reports giannoulias’s review of more than 600 complaints has so far led to … one license plate revoked.
nbc news reports giannoulias’s review of more than 600 complaints has so far led to … one license plate revoked.
Illinois officials warn rental car companies that it is illegal for immigration agents to swap license plates
The secretary of state sent a cease and desist letter to ICE head Todd Lyons, citing “multiple reports of federal ICE agents illegally swapping out the license plates displayed on vehicles.”
www.nbcnews.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:38 PM
illinois secretary of state alexi giannoulias sent letters to 19 rental car companies warning them against letting feds swap out license plates on their vehicles.
nbc news reports giannoulias’s review of more than 600 complaints has so far led to … one license plate revoked.
nbc news reports giannoulias’s review of more than 600 complaints has so far led to … one license plate revoked.
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed disastrous cuts to our city's libraries while setting aside $5M for a ShotSpotter replacement. As library associate Sara Heymann told me, “Libraries embody everything we need to fight back against fascism.” My piece on what’s at stake and how to fight back:
You Can’t Fight Fascism While Defunding Libraries
“Libraries embody everything that we need right now to fight back against fascism," says Sara Heymann.
organizingmythoughts.org
December 3, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed disastrous cuts to our city's libraries while setting aside $5M for a ShotSpotter replacement. As library associate Sara Heymann told me, “Libraries embody everything we need to fight back against fascism.” My piece on what’s at stake and how to fight back:
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
Agents in Key Largo, Florida ripped this woman wearing medical scrubs out of her car as she screamed she is a US citizen. Agents cuffed her and put her in one of their cars.
She was eventually let go, per David Goodhue of the Miami Herald, who also took this footage:
She was eventually let go, per David Goodhue of the Miami Herald, who also took this footage:
December 3, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Agents in Key Largo, Florida ripped this woman wearing medical scrubs out of her car as she screamed she is a US citizen. Agents cuffed her and put her in one of their cars.
She was eventually let go, per David Goodhue of the Miami Herald, who also took this footage:
She was eventually let go, per David Goodhue of the Miami Herald, who also took this footage:
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
Little Village Chamber Leader Thanked Border Patrol As Agents Arrested Neighbors, Video Shows
After Block Club uncovered the video, the chamber said the employee was no longer employed there “effective immediately.”
via @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/03/l...
After Block Club uncovered the video, the chamber said the employee was no longer employed there “effective immediately.”
via @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/03/l...
Little Village Chamber Leader Thanked Border Patrol As Agents Arrested Neighbors, Video Shows
Little Village, an enclave for Mexican Americans and immigrants, was heavily targeted during Operation Midway Blitz. After Block Club uncovered the video, the chamber said the employee was no longer e...
blockclubchicago.org
December 3, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Little Village Chamber Leader Thanked Border Patrol As Agents Arrested Neighbors, Video Shows
After Block Club uncovered the video, the chamber said the employee was no longer employed there “effective immediately.”
via @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/03/l...
After Block Club uncovered the video, the chamber said the employee was no longer employed there “effective immediately.”
via @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/03/l...
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
in this week's make it make sense, the @chicagoreader.com's weekly news roundup:
1/ cook county swears in the first new chief judge in a quarter century. i write that charles s. beach takes over at Beach takes over at a pivotal moment for the cook county judiciary.
1/ cook county swears in the first new chief judge in a quarter century. i write that charles s. beach takes over at Beach takes over at a pivotal moment for the cook county judiciary.
Make It Make Sense: Cook County’s new chief judge
Plus: Trump slashes housing funding and the American Indian Health Service of Chicago celebrates 51 years.
chicagoreader.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:10 PM
in this week's make it make sense, the @chicagoreader.com's weekly news roundup:
1/ cook county swears in the first new chief judge in a quarter century. i write that charles s. beach takes over at Beach takes over at a pivotal moment for the cook county judiciary.
1/ cook county swears in the first new chief judge in a quarter century. i write that charles s. beach takes over at Beach takes over at a pivotal moment for the cook county judiciary.
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
Lawyers for former downstate sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson allege the judge in the case erred multiple times ahead of the jury's second-degree murder verdict. Prosecutors say the claim lacks merit.
Ex-cop seeks retrial after conviction in Sonya Massey murder case
chicago.suntimes.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Lawyers for former downstate sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson allege the judge in the case erred multiple times ahead of the jury's second-degree murder verdict. Prosecutors say the claim lacks merit.
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hegseth cites 'fog of war' in defending follow-on strike in scrutinized September attack on alleged drug boat.
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December 2, 2025 at 7:17 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hegseth cites 'fog of war' in defending follow-on strike in scrutinized September attack on alleged drug boat.
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Reposted by Dave Byrnes
NEW: The official USCIS guidance on this pause is out. Until further notice from the USCIS Director, all immigration benefits (including citizenship) are indefinitely suspended for nationals of 19 countries, as are all affirmative asylum applications from nationals of any country.
![Page 3: Guidance
…
USCIS will conduct a thorough review on a case-by-case basis to assess benefit eligibility including whether:
1. The alien is listed in the Terrorist Screening Dataset (TSDS) as a Known or Suspected
Terrorist (KST) under Tier 1 or Tier 2 classifications or is included in Tier 3 or Tier 4 of the
TSDS with significant derogatory information related to the alien.
2. The alien is connected to prior, current, or planned involvement in, or association with, an activity, individual, or organization described in sections 212(a)(3)(A), (B), or (F), or 237(a)(4)(A) or (B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
3. The alien is linked to prior, current, or planned involvement in, or association with, an activity, individual, or organization that may pose a risk of serious harm or danger to the community, including criminal conduct described in INA 101(a)(43), 212(a)(1)(A)(iii), 212(a)(2), 237(a)(2), or 237(a)(4)(A)(ii).
4. The alien is unable to establish their identity as outlined in PP 10949."'
This process ensures that USCIS exercises its full authority to protect national security and public safety while adhering to the provisions of the INA and applicable laws. USCIS has considered that this direction may result in delay to the adjudication of some pending applications and has weighed that consequence against the urgent need for the agency to ensure that applicants are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. Ultimately, USCIS has determined that the burden of processing delays that will fall on some applicants is necessary and appropriate in this instance, when weighed against the agency's obligation to protect and preserve national security.
Within 90 days of issuance of this memorandum, USCIS will prioritize a list for review, interview, re-interview, and referral to ICE and other law enforcement agencies as appropriate, and, in consultation with the [two other offices] issue operational guidance.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2vtbmhmrwzbqcfv4we4uxzzt/bafkreiflg3ofmvb5gya5mycqjtkvis6ltjx6n7j2bxd5basepl67uqtqay@jpeg)
December 3, 2025 at 12:46 AM
NEW: The official USCIS guidance on this pause is out. Until further notice from the USCIS Director, all immigration benefits (including citizenship) are indefinitely suspended for nationals of 19 countries, as are all affirmative asylum applications from nationals of any country.
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
in a press release, protesters accuse state's attorney o'neill burke of "returning to the corrupt and racist policies that made Chicago internationally known for its corruption."
December 3, 2025 at 1:13 AM
in a press release, protesters accuse state's attorney o'neill burke of "returning to the corrupt and racist policies that made Chicago internationally known for its corruption."
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
from the inbox:
protesters disrupted a city club luncheon today celebrating cook county state's attorney eileen o'neill burke's first year in office. demonstrators denounced a "truly shocking" 14% increase in people jailed pretrial.
"burke and trump are the same, lock you up and pass the blame!"
protesters disrupted a city club luncheon today celebrating cook county state's attorney eileen o'neill burke's first year in office. demonstrators denounced a "truly shocking" 14% increase in people jailed pretrial.
"burke and trump are the same, lock you up and pass the blame!"
December 3, 2025 at 1:10 AM
from the inbox:
protesters disrupted a city club luncheon today celebrating cook county state's attorney eileen o'neill burke's first year in office. demonstrators denounced a "truly shocking" 14% increase in people jailed pretrial.
"burke and trump are the same, lock you up and pass the blame!"
protesters disrupted a city club luncheon today celebrating cook county state's attorney eileen o'neill burke's first year in office. demonstrators denounced a "truly shocking" 14% increase in people jailed pretrial.
"burke and trump are the same, lock you up and pass the blame!"
Following oral arguments before the 7th Circuit today, attorneys representing the class of people arrested by federal immigration agents - allegedly in violation of the Castañon Nava settlement agreement - held a brief Q&A with press in the lobby of Chicago's Dirksen Courthouse.
December 3, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Following oral arguments before the 7th Circuit today, attorneys representing the class of people arrested by federal immigration agents - allegedly in violation of the Castañon Nava settlement agreement - held a brief Q&A with press in the lobby of Chicago's Dirksen Courthouse.
New: plaintiffs in the class action seeking restrictions on federal immigration agents' use of force in Chicagoland, have moved to dismiss the case.
Citing the end of Midway Blitz, they say the case is "no longer needed" to protect the plaintff class (which comprised press, protestors & clergy).
Citing the end of Midway Blitz, they say the case is "no longer needed" to protect the plaintff class (which comprised press, protestors & clergy).
December 2, 2025 at 10:37 PM
New: plaintiffs in the class action seeking restrictions on federal immigration agents' use of force in Chicagoland, have moved to dismiss the case.
Citing the end of Midway Blitz, they say the case is "no longer needed" to protect the plaintff class (which comprised press, protestors & clergy).
Citing the end of Midway Blitz, they say the case is "no longer needed" to protect the plaintff class (which comprised press, protestors & clergy).
So on these 7th Circuit arguments earlier today:
The arguments were heard by a three-judge appellate panel consisting of Judges Thomas Kirsch, John Lee and Doris Pryor; a Trump appointee and two Biden appointees respectively. (🧵1/?)
The arguments were heard by a three-judge appellate panel consisting of Judges Thomas Kirsch, John Lee and Doris Pryor; a Trump appointee and two Biden appointees respectively. (🧵1/?)
Good afternoon from Chicago's federal courthouse. In about 15 minutes the 7th Circuit appellate court will hear arguments in the Castañon Nava settlement case; the settlement agreement limits when and how immigration agents can conduct warrantless.
December 2, 2025 at 10:25 PM
So on these 7th Circuit arguments earlier today:
The arguments were heard by a three-judge appellate panel consisting of Judges Thomas Kirsch, John Lee and Doris Pryor; a Trump appointee and two Biden appointees respectively. (🧵1/?)
The arguments were heard by a three-judge appellate panel consisting of Judges Thomas Kirsch, John Lee and Doris Pryor; a Trump appointee and two Biden appointees respectively. (🧵1/?)
Also in Chicago legal news: Juan Espinoza Martinez, who the federal govt accuses of placing a hit on Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, yesterday filed another motion for pretrial release.
He withdrew another pretrial motion last week.
He withdrew another pretrial motion last week.
December 2, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Also in Chicago legal news: Juan Espinoza Martinez, who the federal govt accuses of placing a hit on Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, yesterday filed another motion for pretrial release.
He withdrew another pretrial motion last week.
He withdrew another pretrial motion last week.
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
Audio of today's arguments over Judge Jeffrey Cummings' orders governing ICE arrests: media.ca7.uscourts.gov/sound/extern...
December 2, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Audio of today's arguments over Judge Jeffrey Cummings' orders governing ICE arrests: media.ca7.uscourts.gov/sound/extern...
Warrentless *arrests
Good afternoon from Chicago's federal courthouse. In about 15 minutes the 7th Circuit appellate court will hear arguments in the Castañon Nava settlement case; the settlement agreement limits when and how immigration agents can conduct warrantless.
December 2, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Warrentless *arrests
Last month District Judge Jeff Cummings ordered the release of potentially hundreds of people immigration agents arrested in seeming violation of the settlement, only for the 7th Circuit to place a hold on his order a week later.
Good afternoon from Chicago's federal courthouse. In about 15 minutes the 7th Circuit appellate court will hear arguments in the Castañon Nava settlement case; the settlement agreement limits when and how immigration agents can conduct warrantless.
December 2, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Last month District Judge Jeff Cummings ordered the release of potentially hundreds of people immigration agents arrested in seeming violation of the settlement, only for the 7th Circuit to place a hold on his order a week later.
Good afternoon from Chicago's federal courthouse. In about 15 minutes the 7th Circuit appellate court will hear arguments in the Castañon Nava settlement case; the settlement agreement limits when and how immigration agents can conduct warrantless.
December 2, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Good afternoon from Chicago's federal courthouse. In about 15 minutes the 7th Circuit appellate court will hear arguments in the Castañon Nava settlement case; the settlement agreement limits when and how immigration agents can conduct warrantless.
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
Extremely excited to see what we can do with Sarah as our new EIC!
Sarah Conway, a Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist, has joined the Reader as the new editor-in-chief. She comes to us after eight years at City Bureau. Conway’s approach to journalism “is inventive, ambitious, and deeply accountable” Welcome to the team, Sarah! https://bit.ly/4ryDsHG
December 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Extremely excited to see what we can do with Sarah as our new EIC!
Reposted by Dave Byrnes
Yo Metra why do you not shovel the entrances to your stations?
December 1, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Yo Metra why do you not shovel the entrances to your stations?