Jon Seidel
@jonseidel.bsky.social
Federal Courts Reporter, @chicago.suntimes.com
From @chicago.suntimes.com on the now-public body-cam footage that was relied upon by Judge Sara Ellis.
H/t to @sophiesherry.bsky.social, Kade Heather, @vimiller.bsky.social @angelamassino.bsky.social and Kaitlin Washburn for taking on a holiday evidence drop: chicago.suntimes.com/public-safet...
H/t to @sophiesherry.bsky.social, Kade Heather, @vimiller.bsky.social @angelamassino.bsky.social and Kaitlin Washburn for taking on a holiday evidence drop: chicago.suntimes.com/public-safet...
Bodycam video shows feds’ aggressive tactics in vivid detail: ‘Deploy f---ing gas’
The videos, released weeks after U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis’ historic order limiting agents' use of force, offer a firsthand look at flashpoint incidents from suburban Broadview, and Chicago's Lit...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 29, 2025 at 4:29 PM
From @chicago.suntimes.com on the now-public body-cam footage that was relied upon by Judge Sara Ellis.
H/t to @sophiesherry.bsky.social, Kade Heather, @vimiller.bsky.social @angelamassino.bsky.social and Kaitlin Washburn for taking on a holiday evidence drop: chicago.suntimes.com/public-safet...
H/t to @sophiesherry.bsky.social, Kade Heather, @vimiller.bsky.social @angelamassino.bsky.social and Kaitlin Washburn for taking on a holiday evidence drop: chicago.suntimes.com/public-safet...
Family launches fundraiser for woman set on fire on CTA Blue Line
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/11...
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/11...
Family launches fundraiser for woman set on fire on CTA Blue Line
The 26-year-old woman suffered severe burns after the Nov. 17 attack near the CTA Clark and Lake station. The fundraiser had raised nearly $230,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Family launches fundraiser for woman set on fire on CTA Blue Line
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/11...
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/11...
For the record, Judge Fuentes wound up having to rescind the order making these videos available for free. And in a separate hearing, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis just made clear that she and her colleagues have "no ability to waive those fees."
That's up to Congress, she said.
That's up to Congress, she said.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel Fuentes, in dismissing Midway Blitz-related charges against Dana Briggs last week, said he was lifting restrictions on relevant video.
Today he made the video available through the clerk's office at no cost to the public. Here's the first.
Today he made the video available through the clerk's office at no cost to the public. Here's the first.
November 25, 2025 at 4:26 PM
For the record, Judge Fuentes wound up having to rescind the order making these videos available for free. And in a separate hearing, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis just made clear that she and her colleagues have "no ability to waive those fees."
That's up to Congress, she said.
That's up to Congress, she said.
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood tours Broadview ICE facility and warns deportation blitz isn't over
@tinasfon.bsky.social reports, via @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
@tinasfon.bsky.social reports, via @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood tours Broadview ICE facility and warns deportation blitz isn't over
The Democratic congresswoman said staffing for Chicago-area ICE facilities is expected to triple in coming months.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:31 PM
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood tours Broadview ICE facility and warns deportation blitz isn't over
@tinasfon.bsky.social reports, via @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
@tinasfon.bsky.social reports, via @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Good morning. The full transcript of U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino's deposition has been released.
Three volumes, 400+ pages.
Volume 1: cst.brightspotcdn.com/30/6c/1349ab...
Volume 2: cst.brightspotcdn.com/b7/fb/4afdf1...
Volume 3: cst.brightspotcdn.com/a3/e0/a520af...
Three volumes, 400+ pages.
Volume 1: cst.brightspotcdn.com/30/6c/1349ab...
Volume 2: cst.brightspotcdn.com/b7/fb/4afdf1...
Volume 3: cst.brightspotcdn.com/a3/e0/a520af...
November 25, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Good morning. The full transcript of U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino's deposition has been released.
Three volumes, 400+ pages.
Volume 1: cst.brightspotcdn.com/30/6c/1349ab...
Volume 2: cst.brightspotcdn.com/b7/fb/4afdf1...
Volume 3: cst.brightspotcdn.com/a3/e0/a520af...
Three volumes, 400+ pages.
Volume 1: cst.brightspotcdn.com/30/6c/1349ab...
Volume 2: cst.brightspotcdn.com/b7/fb/4afdf1...
Volume 3: cst.brightspotcdn.com/a3/e0/a520af...
U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel Fuentes, in dismissing Midway Blitz-related charges against Dana Briggs last week, said he was lifting restrictions on relevant video.
Today he made the video available through the clerk's office at no cost to the public. Here's the first.
Today he made the video available through the clerk's office at no cost to the public. Here's the first.
November 24, 2025 at 9:58 PM
U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel Fuentes, in dismissing Midway Blitz-related charges against Dana Briggs last week, said he was lifting restrictions on relevant video.
Today he made the video available through the clerk's office at no cost to the public. Here's the first.
Today he made the video available through the clerk's office at no cost to the public. Here's the first.
Reposted by Jon Seidel
BREAKING: Comey case dismissed without prejudice. Halligan invalidly appointed, judge rules. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
November 24, 2025 at 5:36 PM
BREAKING: Comey case dismissed without prejudice. Halligan invalidly appointed, judge rules. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Man accused in Blue Line fire attack was AWOL from home detention, court records show
Now he's been ordered into federal custody.
Reporting w/ Frank Main and @szreports.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Now he's been ordered into federal custody.
Reporting w/ Frank Main and @szreports.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Man accused in fiery Blue Line gasoline attack was AWOL from home detention, court records show
Lawrence Reed was in violation of his curfew in a separate assault case in Cook County court for which he was freed on electronic monitoring while awaiting trial. In the federal case involving the gas...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Man accused in Blue Line fire attack was AWOL from home detention, court records show
Now he's been ordered into federal custody.
Reporting w/ Frank Main and @szreports.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Now he's been ordered into federal custody.
Reporting w/ Frank Main and @szreports.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
New details about alleged bounty on Bovino's head revealed in unsealed court records
@chicago.suntimes.com story: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
@chicago.suntimes.com story: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
New details about alleged bounty on Bovino's head revealed in unsealed court records
A judge ordered the records unsealed days before lawyers for Juan Espinoza Martinez are expected to argue for his release.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:06 AM
New details about alleged bounty on Bovino's head revealed in unsealed court records
@chicago.suntimes.com story: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
@chicago.suntimes.com story: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally says she's ordering Lawrence Reed held in custody, based both on his consent and the evidence offered by the government.
"Just make sure I eat," says Reed, who is accused of setting a woman on fire on the CTA.
"Just make sure I eat," says Reed, who is accused of setting a woman on fire on the CTA.
Lawrence Reed, the man accused in Monday's fire attack on the CTA:
"I agree, about me being detained. It's to my safety, for me to be detained. … I'm a target, from society. And I don't feel safe out there. So I think for my safety, it's best for me to be detained."
"I agree, about me being detained. It's to my safety, for me to be detained. … I'm a target, from society. And I don't feel safe out there. So I think for my safety, it's best for me to be detained."
Bond says Reed is a "clear and present danger."
"He's been given chance after chance after chance in state court over the years. … In exchange for these numerous second chances, the defendant's consistently re-offended and grown more serious in the types of offenses he commits."
"He's been given chance after chance after chance in state court over the years. … In exchange for these numerous second chances, the defendant's consistently re-offended and grown more serious in the types of offenses he commits."
November 21, 2025 at 4:29 PM
U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally says she's ordering Lawrence Reed held in custody, based both on his consent and the evidence offered by the government.
"Just make sure I eat," says Reed, who is accused of setting a woman on fire on the CTA.
"Just make sure I eat," says Reed, who is accused of setting a woman on fire on the CTA.
Lawrence Reed, the man accused in Monday's fire attack on the CTA:
"I agree, about me being detained. It's to my safety, for me to be detained. … I'm a target, from society. And I don't feel safe out there. So I think for my safety, it's best for me to be detained."
"I agree, about me being detained. It's to my safety, for me to be detained. … I'm a target, from society. And I don't feel safe out there. So I think for my safety, it's best for me to be detained."
Bond says Reed is a "clear and present danger."
"He's been given chance after chance after chance in state court over the years. … In exchange for these numerous second chances, the defendant's consistently re-offended and grown more serious in the types of offenses he commits."
"He's been given chance after chance after chance in state court over the years. … In exchange for these numerous second chances, the defendant's consistently re-offended and grown more serious in the types of offenses he commits."
November 21, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Lawrence Reed, the man accused in Monday's fire attack on the CTA:
"I agree, about me being detained. It's to my safety, for me to be detained. … I'm a target, from society. And I don't feel safe out there. So I think for my safety, it's best for me to be detained."
"I agree, about me being detained. It's to my safety, for me to be detained. … I'm a target, from society. And I don't feel safe out there. So I think for my safety, it's best for me to be detained."
U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally just took the bench for today's scheduled detention hearing for Lawrence Reed, who allegedly set a woman on fire on the CTA.
Good morning. Standing by for this morning's detention hearing for Lawrence Reed, the man accused of setting a woman on fire on a CTA train this week.
The feds say Lawrence Reed set a 26-year-old woman on fire on a CTA train Monday night.
He'd been arrested 40 times since 1993, records show. Now he faces a terrorism charge in the "brutal and vicious" attack.
Reporting w/ Frank Main and Casey He: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
He'd been arrested 40 times since 1993, records show. Now he faces a terrorism charge in the "brutal and vicious" attack.
Reporting w/ Frank Main and Casey He: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
November 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally just took the bench for today's scheduled detention hearing for Lawrence Reed, who allegedly set a woman on fire on the CTA.
Good morning. Standing by for this morning's detention hearing for Lawrence Reed, the man accused of setting a woman on fire on a CTA train this week.
The feds say Lawrence Reed set a 26-year-old woman on fire on a CTA train Monday night.
He'd been arrested 40 times since 1993, records show. Now he faces a terrorism charge in the "brutal and vicious" attack.
Reporting w/ Frank Main and Casey He: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
He'd been arrested 40 times since 1993, records show. Now he faces a terrorism charge in the "brutal and vicious" attack.
Reporting w/ Frank Main and Casey He: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
'Brutal and vicious' Blue Line attack leads to terrorism charge after woman set on fire
Federal authorities say 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, who was arrested at least 40 times, had “no business being on the streets," but now is charged with setting woman on fire on the Blue Line.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Good morning. Standing by for this morning's detention hearing for Lawrence Reed, the man accused of setting a woman on fire on a CTA train this week.
NEW: Feds haven't charged anyone with shooting at Border Patrol agents in Chicago, but a federal gun possession case was unsealed Thursday against a man matching the description DHS provided.
Reporting w/ @schuba.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
Reporting w/ @schuba.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
Feds haven't charged anyone with shooting at Border Patrol agents in Chicago, weeks after touting arrest
A federal gun possession case was unsealed Thursday against a man matching the description the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had provided for the alleged gunman.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:33 AM
NEW: Feds haven't charged anyone with shooting at Border Patrol agents in Chicago, but a federal gun possession case was unsealed Thursday against a man matching the description DHS provided.
Reporting w/ @schuba.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
Reporting w/ @schuba.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
"Doing the right thing has been a mantra of the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office for generations. Let it remain so.”
Reflections of a magistrate judge as Operation Midway Blitz cases fall apart: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Reflections of a magistrate judge as Operation Midway Blitz cases fall apart: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
'Unusual and possibly unprecedented': Judge calls out Chicago feds as Midway Blitz cases fall apart
Prosecutors have dropped charges against all five people charged in connection with Sept. 27 protests at the immigration holding facility in west suburban Broadview.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:32 AM
"Doing the right thing has been a mantra of the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office for generations. Let it remain so.”
Reflections of a magistrate judge as Operation Midway Blitz cases fall apart: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Reflections of a magistrate judge as Operation Midway Blitz cases fall apart: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
NEW: Magistrate Judge Gabriel Fuentes on the many dismissed cases tied to Midway Blitz:
"The Court cannot help but note just how unusual and possibly unprecedented it is for the U.S. Attorney's Office in this district to charge so hastily."
Read the opinion: cst.brightspotcdn.com/14/e7/bd8a48...
"The Court cannot help but note just how unusual and possibly unprecedented it is for the U.S. Attorney's Office in this district to charge so hastily."
Read the opinion: cst.brightspotcdn.com/14/e7/bd8a48...
cst.brightspotcdn.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:16 PM
NEW: Magistrate Judge Gabriel Fuentes on the many dismissed cases tied to Midway Blitz:
"The Court cannot help but note just how unusual and possibly unprecedented it is for the U.S. Attorney's Office in this district to charge so hastily."
Read the opinion: cst.brightspotcdn.com/14/e7/bd8a48...
"The Court cannot help but note just how unusual and possibly unprecedented it is for the U.S. Attorney's Office in this district to charge so hastily."
Read the opinion: cst.brightspotcdn.com/14/e7/bd8a48...
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis is now presiding over a remote status hearing in this case. It's just getting underway.
UPDATE: The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals just scheduled arguments in the appeal over Judge Sara Ellis' preliminary injunction.
They're Dec. 17.
They're Dec. 17.
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis just handed down the written opinion version of her preliminary injunction order, regarding use of force by federal agents in Chicago.
It's the one already put on hold by the 7th Circuit.
It's 233 pages.
Here you go: cst.brightspotcdn.com/49/34/daecfb...
It's the one already put on hold by the 7th Circuit.
It's 233 pages.
Here you go: cst.brightspotcdn.com/49/34/daecfb...
November 20, 2025 at 9:39 PM
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis is now presiding over a remote status hearing in this case. It's just getting underway.
UPDATE: The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals just scheduled arguments in the appeal over Judge Sara Ellis' preliminary injunction.
They're Dec. 17.
They're Dec. 17.
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis just handed down the written opinion version of her preliminary injunction order, regarding use of force by federal agents in Chicago.
It's the one already put on hold by the 7th Circuit.
It's 233 pages.
Here you go: cst.brightspotcdn.com/49/34/daecfb...
It's the one already put on hold by the 7th Circuit.
It's 233 pages.
Here you go: cst.brightspotcdn.com/49/34/daecfb...
November 20, 2025 at 8:58 PM
UPDATE: The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals just scheduled arguments in the appeal over Judge Sara Ellis' preliminary injunction.
They're Dec. 17.
They're Dec. 17.
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis just handed down the written opinion version of her preliminary injunction order, regarding use of force by federal agents in Chicago.
It's the one already put on hold by the 7th Circuit.
It's 233 pages.
Here you go: cst.brightspotcdn.com/49/34/daecfb...
It's the one already put on hold by the 7th Circuit.
It's 233 pages.
Here you go: cst.brightspotcdn.com/49/34/daecfb...
November 20, 2025 at 8:01 PM
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis just handed down the written opinion version of her preliminary injunction order, regarding use of force by federal agents in Chicago.
It's the one already put on hold by the 7th Circuit.
It's 233 pages.
Here you go: cst.brightspotcdn.com/49/34/daecfb...
It's the one already put on hold by the 7th Circuit.
It's 233 pages.
Here you go: cst.brightspotcdn.com/49/34/daecfb...
Federal prosecutors in Chicago are dropping one of the most high-profile criminal cases tied to Operation Midway Blitz.
It's among the cases the feds have pointed to, including at the Supreme Court, to insist agents on the ground were under attack: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
It's among the cases the feds have pointed to, including at the Supreme Court, to insist agents on the ground were under attack: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Feds drop case against woman shot by Border Patrol agent in Brighton Park
It's one of the most high-profile prosecutions to result from the Trump administration's "Operation Midway Blitz." Defense attorneys have been aggressively challenging evidence and sought a speedy tri...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Federal prosecutors in Chicago are dropping one of the most high-profile criminal cases tied to Operation Midway Blitz.
It's among the cases the feds have pointed to, including at the Supreme Court, to insist agents on the ground were under attack: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
It's among the cases the feds have pointed to, including at the Supreme Court, to insist agents on the ground were under attack: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Statement from Joseph Fitzpatrick, spokesman for U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros:
November 20, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Statement from Joseph Fitzpatrick, spokesman for U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros:
Federal appeals court puts release of hundreds of ICE detainees on hold
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Federal appeals court puts release of hundreds of ICE detainees on hold
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals scheduled arguments for Dec. 2, setting the stage for the first such hearing tied to "Operation Midway Blitz."
chicago.suntimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Federal appeals court puts release of hundreds of ICE detainees on hold
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
#BREAKING The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a short-term administrative stay of the order from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings that aimed to release as many as 615 people detained by ICE.
That means their release is on hold.
Oral arguments 12/2.
That means their release is on hold.
Oral arguments 12/2.
November 20, 2025 at 5:25 PM
#BREAKING The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a short-term administrative stay of the order from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings that aimed to release as many as 615 people detained by ICE.
That means their release is on hold.
Oral arguments 12/2.
That means their release is on hold.
Oral arguments 12/2.
Feds drop case against woman shot by Border Patrol agent in Brighton Park
DEVELOPING from @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
DEVELOPING from @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Feds drop case against woman shot by Border Patrol agent in Brighton Park
It's one of the most high-profile prosecutions to result from the Trump administration's "Operation Midway Blitz." Defense attorneys have been aggressively challenging evidence and sought a speedy tri...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Feds drop case against woman shot by Border Patrol agent in Brighton Park
DEVELOPING from @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
DEVELOPING from @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
#BREAKING Federal prosecutors in Chicago move to dismiss charges against Marimar Martinez, the woman shot by Border Patrol in Brighton Park, as well as her co-defendant Anthony Ruiz.
November 20, 2025 at 3:43 PM
#BREAKING Federal prosecutors in Chicago move to dismiss charges against Marimar Martinez, the woman shot by Border Patrol in Brighton Park, as well as her co-defendant Anthony Ruiz.