Jason Meisner
@jmetr22b.bsky.social
Chicago Tribune reporter covering the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse and criminal justice issues in Chicago.
A trove of Operation Midway Blitz records have been unsealed tonight in the injunction case before Judge Sara Ellis.
It’ll take time to go through. But one of the first things I saw happened to be Bovino’s official account of what happened in Little Village on Oct. 23
Guess what?
No rock
It’ll take time to go through. But one of the first things I saw happened to be Bovino’s official account of what happened in Little Village on Oct. 23
Guess what?
No rock
December 20, 2025 at 1:34 AM
A trove of Operation Midway Blitz records have been unsealed tonight in the injunction case before Judge Sara Ellis.
It’ll take time to go through. But one of the first things I saw happened to be Bovino’s official account of what happened in Little Village on Oct. 23
Guess what?
No rock
It’ll take time to go through. But one of the first things I saw happened to be Bovino’s official account of what happened in Little Village on Oct. 23
Guess what?
No rock
The feds have charged a suburban Chicago woman who works in office services for US Foods with ordering $3 million in toner cartridges on the company's tab and selling them on eBay
👀
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December 19, 2025 at 7:12 PM
The feds have charged a suburban Chicago woman who works in office services for US Foods with ordering $3 million in toner cartridges on the company's tab and selling them on eBay
👀
👀
Judge Georgia Alexakis has denied a motion by the Tribune and other media to lift a protective order and release body cam footage from the shooting of Marimar Martinez by a Border Patrol agent.
Judge said in part media could’ve acted sooner.
Background:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/c...
Judge said in part media could’ve acted sooner.
Background:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/c...
A criminal probe tied to Chicago woman’s shooting by Border Patrol agent continues, feds say
A federal prosecutor revealed in court Tuesday that despite assault charges being dismissed, a separate criminal investigation remains ongoing into an incident in Chicago’s Brighton Park neig…
www.chicagotribune.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Judge Georgia Alexakis has denied a motion by the Tribune and other media to lift a protective order and release body cam footage from the shooting of Marimar Martinez by a Border Patrol agent.
Judge said in part media could’ve acted sooner.
Background:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/c...
Judge said in part media could’ve acted sooner.
Background:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/c...
JUST IN: Lawrence Reed, the man charged with lighting a woman on fire on the CTA Blue Line on Nov. 17, is now indicted on additional arson charges for allegedly lighting a fire at City Hall three days earlier
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/19/f...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/19/f...
December 18, 2025 at 7:53 PM
JUST IN: Lawrence Reed, the man charged with lighting a woman on fire on the CTA Blue Line on Nov. 17, is now indicted on additional arson charges for allegedly lighting a fire at City Hall three days earlier
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/19/f...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/19/f...
The lead prosecutor in the high-profile case involving an alleged Chicago gang member soliciting the murder of Greg Bovino is unexpectedly leaving leaving the U.S. attorney's office just weeks ahead of trial
Story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/l...
Story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/l...
Lead prosecutor in Bovino murder-for-hire case unexpectedly leaving US attorney’s office ahead of trial
The federal prosecutor heading up a high-profile case alleging a Chicago gang member solicited the murder of Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino announced he’s leaving the U.S. attorney’…
www.chicagotribune.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The lead prosecutor in the high-profile case involving an alleged Chicago gang member soliciting the murder of Greg Bovino is unexpectedly leaving leaving the U.S. attorney's office just weeks ahead of trial
Story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/l...
Story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/l...
How long will "The Bovino Show Part Deux" last?
Not very, according to law enforcement and other immigration sources.
But he appears to be getting his money's worth:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/b...
Not very, according to law enforcement and other immigration sources.
But he appears to be getting his money's worth:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/b...
Border Patrol Cmdr. Bovino praises local police assistance in enforcement, argues with Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
The Chicago Police Department said in a statement that they did not assist federal authorities with immigration enforcement.
www.chicagotribune.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:08 PM
How long will "The Bovino Show Part Deux" last?
Not very, according to law enforcement and other immigration sources.
But he appears to be getting his money's worth:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/b...
Not very, according to law enforcement and other immigration sources.
But he appears to be getting his money's worth:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/b...
Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino and some 100 agents returned to Chicago in a seemingly made-for-social media show.
“All right guys. Merry Christmas if I don’t see you again,” Bovino told protesters in Little Village.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/b...
“All right guys. Merry Christmas if I don’t see you again,” Bovino told protesters in Little Village.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/b...
Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino and agents return to Chicago in show of force across city and suburbs
At least 100 U.S. Homeland Security agents or officers were part of the latest wave, a federal source told the Tribune.
www.chicagotribune.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino and some 100 agents returned to Chicago in a seemingly made-for-social media show.
“All right guys. Merry Christmas if I don’t see you again,” Bovino told protesters in Little Village.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/b...
“All right guys. Merry Christmas if I don’t see you again,” Bovino told protesters in Little Village.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/b...
Multiple reports of Border Patrol activity in Cicero and Chicago’s Southwest Side Tuesday morning www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/b...
Multiple reports of Border Patrol activity in Cicero and Chicago’s Southwest Side Tuesday morning
Immigration advocates, picketing Teamsters and social media accounts reported sightings of Border Patrol agents and possible arrests in Cicero and Chicago’s Southwest Side Tuesday morning.
www.chicagotribune.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Multiple reports of Border Patrol activity in Cicero and Chicago’s Southwest Side Tuesday morning www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/b...
“He had every great job in the law worth having”
William J. Bauer, the son of an oil salesman who rose to be U.S. attorney and “sage” Chicago-based 7th Circuit judge, dies at 99
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/j...
William J. Bauer, the son of an oil salesman who rose to be U.S. attorney and “sage” Chicago-based 7th Circuit judge, dies at 99
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/j...
William J. Bauer, ‘sage’ Chicago-based 7th Circuit judge and US attorney, dies at 99
Colleagues said Bauer transformed the U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago, minimizing the impact of politics on hiring and prosecutions.
www.chicagotribune.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:55 AM
“He had every great job in the law worth having”
William J. Bauer, the son of an oil salesman who rose to be U.S. attorney and “sage” Chicago-based 7th Circuit judge, dies at 99
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/j...
William J. Bauer, the son of an oil salesman who rose to be U.S. attorney and “sage” Chicago-based 7th Circuit judge, dies at 99
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/j...
Four Corner Hustlers boss Labar “Bro Man” Spann is once again facing life in prison after being convicted — again— in a retrial of RICO involving four murders, including the contract killing of Latin Kings boss Rudy “Kato” Rangel.
Sentencing is on 4/20
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/g...
Sentencing is on 4/20
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/g...
Four Corner Hustlers boss Labar Spann convicted — again — of racketeering and murder
Reputed Four Corner Hustlers boss Labar “Bro Man” Spann is once again facing life in prison after being convicted in a retrial of racketeering conspiracy involving four gangland murders…
www.chicagotribune.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Four Corner Hustlers boss Labar “Bro Man” Spann is once again facing life in prison after being convicted — again— in a retrial of RICO involving four murders, including the contract killing of Latin Kings boss Rudy “Kato” Rangel.
Sentencing is on 4/20
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/g...
Sentencing is on 4/20
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/g...
After Customs and Border Protection Officer Luis Uribe was ordered detained on rape charges today, two uniformed CBP officers appeared to hand him some paperwork to sign.
Uribe’s attorney said he declined to sign anything without consulting his union rep
story: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/b...
Uribe’s attorney said he declined to sign anything without consulting his union rep
story: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/b...
Customs and Border Protection agent ordered held without bond on rape, robbery charges
Saying she had “serious concerns” about the safety of the community, a federal judge on Monday ordered a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent held without bond on charges he used hi…
www.chicagotribune.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:23 PM
After Customs and Border Protection Officer Luis Uribe was ordered detained on rape charges today, two uniformed CBP officers appeared to hand him some paperwork to sign.
Uribe’s attorney said he declined to sign anything without consulting his union rep
story: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/b...
Uribe’s attorney said he declined to sign anything without consulting his union rep
story: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/b...
The detention hearing for Luis Uribe is underway.
He was brought into court in green jail clothes and nodded at several relatives in the gallery.
There are also two uniformed Customs and Border protection officers watching.
Judge Keri Holleb Hotaling presiding
He was brought into court in green jail clothes and nodded at several relatives in the gallery.
There are also two uniformed Customs and Border protection officers watching.
Judge Keri Holleb Hotaling presiding
NEW: The lawyer for Luis Uribe, a Customs and Border Protection agent charged with raping sex workers in Chicago's suburbs in 2022, is asking for his pretrial release, saying he's an ex-Marine with strong community ties.
A detention hearing is set for 1:30pm www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
A detention hearing is set for 1:30pm www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
December 15, 2025 at 7:44 PM
The detention hearing for Luis Uribe is underway.
He was brought into court in green jail clothes and nodded at several relatives in the gallery.
There are also two uniformed Customs and Border protection officers watching.
Judge Keri Holleb Hotaling presiding
He was brought into court in green jail clothes and nodded at several relatives in the gallery.
There are also two uniformed Customs and Border protection officers watching.
Judge Keri Holleb Hotaling presiding
NEW: The lawyer for Luis Uribe, a Customs and Border Protection agent charged with raping sex workers in Chicago's suburbs in 2022, is asking for his pretrial release, saying he's an ex-Marine with strong community ties.
A detention hearing is set for 1:30pm www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
A detention hearing is set for 1:30pm www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
December 15, 2025 at 6:53 PM
NEW: The lawyer for Luis Uribe, a Customs and Border Protection agent charged with raping sex workers in Chicago's suburbs in 2022, is asking for his pretrial release, saying he's an ex-Marine with strong community ties.
A detention hearing is set for 1:30pm www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
A detention hearing is set for 1:30pm www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
A new indictment alleges Chicago company Clear Labs billed Blue Cross for nearly $30 million in fraudulent COVID-19 tests in 2024.
When investigators went to the lab's address on North Cicero, they found an empty storefront and no evidence that any tests were actually performed
When investigators went to the lab's address on North Cicero, they found an empty storefront and no evidence that any tests were actually performed
December 15, 2025 at 3:38 PM
A new indictment alleges Chicago company Clear Labs billed Blue Cross for nearly $30 million in fraudulent COVID-19 tests in 2024.
When investigators went to the lab's address on North Cicero, they found an empty storefront and no evidence that any tests were actually performed
When investigators went to the lab's address on North Cicero, they found an empty storefront and no evidence that any tests were actually performed
NEW: Lawyers for media outlets argue the feds “can’t have it both ways” by refusing to release body-cam video of the Marimar Martinez shooting:
“The government is promulgating one version of events while refusing to disclose the videos, photographs and text messages that it maintains corroborate it”
“The government is promulgating one version of events while refusing to disclose the videos, photographs and text messages that it maintains corroborate it”
December 12, 2025 at 3:34 AM
NEW: Lawyers for media outlets argue the feds “can’t have it both ways” by refusing to release body-cam video of the Marimar Martinez shooting:
“The government is promulgating one version of events while refusing to disclose the videos, photographs and text messages that it maintains corroborate it”
“The government is promulgating one version of events while refusing to disclose the videos, photographs and text messages that it maintains corroborate it”
Chicago appeals court blocks release of hundreds of Midway Blitz detainees pending individual review
“We will go back to the district court and fight hard to get that adjudicated as quickly as possible,” plaintiffs’ attorney says. “Because they deserve it.”
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/c...
“We will go back to the district court and fight hard to get that adjudicated as quickly as possible,” plaintiffs’ attorney says. “Because they deserve it.”
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/c...
Chicago appeals court blocks release of hundreds of Operation Midway Blitz detainees pending individual review
A federal appeals court in Chicago issued a mixed opinion Thursday in a high-profile immigration case, blocking the immediate release of hundreds of people detained during Operation Midway Blitz bu…
www.chicagotribune.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Chicago appeals court blocks release of hundreds of Midway Blitz detainees pending individual review
“We will go back to the district court and fight hard to get that adjudicated as quickly as possible,” plaintiffs’ attorney says. “Because they deserve it.”
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/c...
“We will go back to the district court and fight hard to get that adjudicated as quickly as possible,” plaintiffs’ attorney says. “Because they deserve it.”
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/c...
JUST IN: A federal appeals court has allowed the extension of a consent decree governing warrantless immigration arrests, pending Supreme Court review, but blocked the immediate release of some 450 detainees
See below
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/02/i...
See below
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/02/i...
December 11, 2025 at 10:57 PM
JUST IN: A federal appeals court has allowed the extension of a consent decree governing warrantless immigration arrests, pending Supreme Court review, but blocked the immediate release of some 450 detainees
See below
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/02/i...
See below
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/02/i...
Emil Jones III's deal to avoid a felony conviction means his political career, which had been on life support, is now very much alive. He's on the ballot for the March primary
"Happy for the early Christmas gift" Jones said on his way out of court today
UPDATE: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/s...
"Happy for the early Christmas gift" Jones said on his way out of court today
UPDATE: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/s...
‘Happy for the early Christmas gift’: State Sen. Emil Jones III reaches deferred prosecution agreement in bribery case
A month before his retrial on bribery charges, state Sen. Emil Jones III has agreed to enter into a deferred prosecution deal with prosecutors that will leave him with no conviction as long as he a…
www.chicagotribune.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Emil Jones III's deal to avoid a felony conviction means his political career, which had been on life support, is now very much alive. He's on the ballot for the March primary
"Happy for the early Christmas gift" Jones said on his way out of court today
UPDATE: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/s...
"Happy for the early Christmas gift" Jones said on his way out of court today
UPDATE: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/s...
DEVELOPING: State Sen. Emil Jones III has reached a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. attorney's office, canceling a January retrial on bribery charges
story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/s...
story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/s...
State Sen. Emil Jones III reaches deferred prosecution agreement ahead of retrial in bribery case
A month before his retrial on bribery charges, state Sen. Emil Jones III has agreed to enter into a deferred prosecution deal with prosecutors that will leave him with no conviction as long as he a…
www.chicagotribune.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:16 PM
DEVELOPING: State Sen. Emil Jones III has reached a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. attorney's office, canceling a January retrial on bribery charges
story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/s...
story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/11/s...
///BREAKING/// The judge in the bribery case against state Sen. Emil Jones III says there is an agreement to defer prosecution.
His retrial had been set for next month
His retrial had been set for next month
December 11, 2025 at 6:10 PM
///BREAKING/// The judge in the bribery case against state Sen. Emil Jones III says there is an agreement to defer prosecution.
His retrial had been set for next month
His retrial had been set for next month
CBP has released the following statement, which says nothing about Officer Juan Uribe
We could learn more at a detention hearing Monday:
We could learn more at a detention hearing Monday:
December 10, 2025 at 7:55 PM
CBP has released the following statement, which says nothing about Officer Juan Uribe
We could learn more at a detention hearing Monday:
We could learn more at a detention hearing Monday:
JUST IN: Ex-Summit police Chief John Kosmowski convicted by a federal jury on bribery and obstruction charges involving a $10,000 payment from a bar owner seeking help with his liquor license.
Kosmowski claimed it was a loan.
Kosmowski claimed it was a loan.
For those interested in suburban corruption cases, there is a verdict in the bribery trial of former Summit police Chief John Kosmowski.
Will be read in court shortly
Here is my story on the trial from last week: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/03/u...
Will be read in court shortly
Here is my story on the trial from last week: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/03/u...
‘It’s gonna be their version against ours’: Undercover tape played at bribery trial of ex-Summit police chief
The 15-minute conversation took center stage Wednesday in a federal courtroom in Chicago, where John Kosmowski is on trial on charges of bribery and obstruction of justice.
www.chicagotribune.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:28 PM
JUST IN: Ex-Summit police Chief John Kosmowski convicted by a federal jury on bribery and obstruction charges involving a $10,000 payment from a bar owner seeking help with his liquor license.
Kosmowski claimed it was a loan.
Kosmowski claimed it was a loan.
For those interested in suburban corruption cases, there is a verdict in the bribery trial of former Summit police Chief John Kosmowski.
Will be read in court shortly
Here is my story on the trial from last week: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/03/u...
Will be read in court shortly
Here is my story on the trial from last week: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/03/u...
‘It’s gonna be their version against ours’: Undercover tape played at bribery trial of ex-Summit police chief
The 15-minute conversation took center stage Wednesday in a federal courtroom in Chicago, where John Kosmowski is on trial on charges of bribery and obstruction of justice.
www.chicagotribune.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:19 PM
For those interested in suburban corruption cases, there is a verdict in the bribery trial of former Summit police Chief John Kosmowski.
Will be read in court shortly
Here is my story on the trial from last week: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/03/u...
Will be read in court shortly
Here is my story on the trial from last week: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/03/u...
So far, total silence from @DHSgov after an agent assigned to customs and immigration in Chicago was charged with using his gun and badge to rob and rape sex workers at suburban hotels in 2022.
Lots of questions on this one:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
Lots of questions on this one:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
December 10, 2025 at 3:13 PM
So far, total silence from @DHSgov after an agent assigned to customs and immigration in Chicago was charged with using his gun and badge to rob and rape sex workers at suburban hotels in 2022.
Lots of questions on this one:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
Lots of questions on this one:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
UPDATE: A CBP agent allegedly used his gun and badge rob and sexually assault at least 4 prostitutes in Chicago’s suburbs in 2022.
The attacks were so brazen at one point he was offered “free commercial sex” with workers if he stopped, the feds say.
He didn't.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
The attacks were so brazen at one point he was offered “free commercial sex” with workers if he stopped, the feds say.
He didn't.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
December 9, 2025 at 11:15 PM
UPDATE: A CBP agent allegedly used his gun and badge rob and sexually assault at least 4 prostitutes in Chicago’s suburbs in 2022.
The attacks were so brazen at one point he was offered “free commercial sex” with workers if he stopped, the feds say.
He didn't.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...
The attacks were so brazen at one point he was offered “free commercial sex” with workers if he stopped, the feds say.
He didn't.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/b...