Dave Byrnes
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djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Dave Byrnes
@djbyrnes1.bsky.social
7K followers 150 following 4.2K posts
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.
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djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Per a ~3:10 pm update from the Elgin Area Rapid Response team, at least one man was in fact taken from the scene on Maple Lane in Elgin.
Image text: Update! ICE activity summary and sightings, December 6 🚨ICE has detected presence in Elgin, at 1668 Maple Ave. A gentleman was recently taken into custody. The area is expected to be cleared Please report any suspicious activity by directly messaging our Facebook page or calling the Family Service Network hotline at 855-435-7693. If you can take a photo or video safely, it can also be a great help to our response teams. Update ! ICE Activity and Sightings Summary, December 6 🚨ICE presence in Elgin at 1668 Maple Ave. A gentleman has been seized just now. We expect the area to be cleared shortly. Please report suspicious activity by direct messaging our Facebook page or calling the Family Service Network Hotline at 855-435-7693 If you’re able to safely take a photograph or video, that can be helpful to our responders as well.
December 6, 2025 at 9:35 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Video shared to social media ~1:20 pm shows a different angle of community members and protestors facing federal immigration agents in Elgin, IL today. In the video, someone(s?) in the crowd throws snowballs at the agents as they appear to be dogpiling someone.

Seconds later, gas comes out.
Federal agents tackle a person to the ground in the snow on Maple Lane in Elgin, IL, as gas billows in the background. Gas deployed in Elgin, IL.
December 6, 2025 at 8:25 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in Chicago this morning for a Christmas event at Navy Pier.

The Elgin Area Rapid Response team meanwhile reported this morning that immigration agents are active in the suburb of Elgin.
Community alert from Elgin Area Rapid Response, alerting readers that immigration agents are present in the Chicago suburb of Elgin on 12/6/2025.
December 6, 2025 at 6:29 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Two groups of singers on the lakefront
December 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
The protestors that were on the small hill near the Mackinaw have relocated to join the anti-Noem carollers across the street from Navy Pier proper.

Denise Poloyac with Indivisible Chicago tells me they were told to leave their prior spot on the hil by 9:30 am, on threat of arrest.
December 6, 2025 at 3:48 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
A few people with megaphones are singing anti-Noem, anti-Trump songs to the tune of Christmas carols. They caught the attention of a young man in a grey DHS sweater.

Moments later, CPD made them back up across the street.

One of the singers tells me CPD moved them back at Navy Pier's request.
December 6, 2025 at 3:18 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
A small protest against Noem is assembled on a hill near the pier, guarded by nearly as many CPD officers.
December 6, 2025 at 3:11 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Good morning from Chicago's Navy Pier. A U.S. Coast Guard Christmas event is currently underway, with Christmas trees being offloaded from Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw.

Reports emerged yesterday that Kristi Noem would be attending this event.

I haven't seen her, but Secret Service is present.
December 6, 2025 at 2:54 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Alas, the chaser:
Image text: O’Hara noted that cases of “excessive” force that were “readily apparent” would merit officer intervention. A sergeant from O’Hara’s department later clarified that while Minneapolis Police Department officers may physically intervene in the case of unlawful force, they would stop short of arresting ICE agents.
December 6, 2025 at 3:17 AM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Well this fucking says it all, don't it
Image text: One cannot, of course, wager on when or if Hamas will attack Israel since, in polite circles, Israelis are considered fully human and Palestinians are not. Image text: None of the CNN or Kalshi press releases addressed any of these glaring ethical issues. Nor, it’s worth highlighting, are those backing these betting markets separate from the human immiseration being wagered on. Kalshi’s two biggest investors, Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital, are also heavily invested in the very same Israeli military whose genocide is serving as a popular forum for gambling markets.
December 6, 2025 at 12:25 AM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
The Rapid Response team for Berwyn & Cicero (west Chicago collar suburbs) continues to update; indicating that immigration agents continue to be present in the after 1 pm.

The alert says "ICE seen driving through north Berwyn," though the jacket on the pictured agent reads Border Patrol.
Another alert from the Berwyn/Cicero rapid response team, alerting the community to federal immigration agents' presence in Berwyn as of 1:15 p.m.
December 5, 2025 at 7:36 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
One video shared to social media around 10:45 a.m. depicts immigration agents chasing a person in the parking lot of the Home Depot located on Cicero Ave.

Other video & photos shared from 10:50 - 11:35 a.m. corroborate agents detaining at least 2 people near S. 58th Ct. and 27th St. in Cicero.
Image shared around 10:45 a.m. depicting an immigration agent chasing a man in the parking lot of a Cicero, IL Home Depot. An image shared to social media just before 11 a.m. depicting federal immigration agents detaining at least 2 people in Cicero, IL.
December 5, 2025 at 7:25 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
As a DOJ attorney said in court yesterday, the feds aren't done with their deportation campaign in the Chicago area.

At least 2 Chicagoland rapid response teams confirmed immigration agent activity today. Videos emerging online corroborate Border Patrol presence in Cicero, IL this morning.
Community alert of at least one detainment by federal immigration agents in Chicago at around 7:30 a.m. near Belden and Mango. Community alert, in Spanish, of at least one detainment by federal immigration agents in Chicago at around 7:30 a.m. near Belden and Mango. Community alert, in English and Spanish, of federal immigration agent activity across Cicero between 9:15 and 10:15 on 12/5/2025.
December 5, 2025 at 6:49 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
New: feds have responded to a class of press, protestors and clergy moving to dismiss their lawsuit against immigration agents' violent behavior in Chicagoland.

Calling the move "procedural gamesmanship," feds say a dismissal w/ prejudice bars the class from bringing similar claims in the future.
Image text is too long for alt text. DEFENDANTS’ RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO DISMISS After months of litigation, and just weeks after securing a sweeping preliminary injunction and a 233-page opinion justifying it—but after the Seventh Circuit unanimously put that injunction on hold and cast doubt on the legitimacy of this suit—Plaintiffs are seeking to throw in the towel. This is transparent procedural gamesmanship. To be sure, if Plaintiffs want to stop litigating and this Court grants their motion for dismissal with prejudice, that is beyond Defendants’ control. But this gambit should be seen for what it is. Notably, Plaintiffs are wrong to allege that Operation Midway Blitz has ended or that Defendants have ceased immigration enforcement activity in the Chicago area. It is standard for particular agents and teams to move around the country as operational needs change, but DHS’s enforcement activity in Chicago has not ended, and Defendants intend to continue their lawful activities in this jurisdiction. To the extent that the Court approves a dismissal with prejudice, the consequence will be that no named Plaintiff or member of the certified class will be permitted to bring substantially similar claims in the future. See, e.g., Lawlor v. Nat’l Screen Serv. Corp., 349 U.S. 322, 327 (1955) (stating that dismissal “‘with prejudice’ bars a later suit on the same cause of action”); MAO-MSO Recovery II, LLC v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 935 F.3d 573, 581 (7th Cir. 2019) (“A dismissal with prejudice is a ruling on the merits, because it carries with it a preclusive effect that prevents the plaintiffs from relitigating—in any court, ever again—any claim encompassed by the suit.”)
December 4, 2025 at 5:05 PM
djbyrnes1.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.
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.
December 4, 2025 at 4:05 AM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
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.
Attorney Keren Zwick of The National Immigrant Justice Center speaks to press in Chicago's Dirksen Federal Courthouse.
December 3, 2025 at 12:24 AM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
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).
Image text: PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO DISMISS Plaintiffs respectfully move this Court to dismiss this case with prejudice pursuant to Rule 23 and Rule 41. In support, Plaintiffs state: 1. As the Court is aware, this case has involved extensive, time-consuming litigation in a compressed time period. 2. Recently, however, the situation that precipitated the relief sought in this litigation has changed in a material way. Specifically, it appears that Operation Midway Blitz, has ended. The roughly 200-225 DHS agents led by Defendant Bovino who traveled from Los Angeles to the Chicagoland area are no longer operating in the Northern District of Illinois. 3. Moreover, since Defendant Bovino and his agents left the Northern District, Plaintiffs’ counsel has not received a single report of unconstitutional behavior that necessitated this case since November 8, 2025. 4. All individual plaintiffs – the Class Representatives and the other individual named plaintiffs – agree to dismissal with prejudice. Image text: Defendants have agreed that they consent to Plaintiffs’ forthcoming motion to move to stay the pending appeal while this Court considers the motion to dismiss. Defendants have indicated that they will move to dismiss the appeal if this Court dismisses the case with prejudice, and Plaintiffs have indicated that they will consent to that motion when it is filed. 6. Class Counsel agree that a dismissal with prejudice at this stage is fair and reasonable. With the Defendants no longer participating in Operation Midway Blitz, or other similar conduct under any moniker or other mission title in this District, this case is no longer needed to protect Class Members’ interests. 7. Therefore, Plaintiffs respectfully request that the Court dismiss the case with prejudice after holding the type of hearing required by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(e). 8. Plaintiffs respectfully request a status conference to discuss the logistics of the required hearing under Rule 23(e).
December 2, 2025 at 10:37 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Espinoza Martinez withdrew his prior release motion last week after hearing ICE may act on an immigration detainer for him were he released from custody.

In yesterday's motion, he said he is aware of the detainer, and urged the court to consider alternatives to detention, like location monitoring.
Image text: The defendant previously withdrew his motion without prejudice. Mr. Martinez is aware there is immigration detainer for him. Image text: Mr. Espinoza Martinez does not pose a risk of nonappearance, and there are some conditions that reasonably assure his appearance. This Court should examine alternatives to detention because there are release conditions which would ensure his compliance with all Court orders, appearances, and protect the public in the least restrictive way. There are conditions of release under §3142(c)(1)(B), and any other conditions the Court deems necessary, will reasonably assure Mr. Garel’s appearance in court and the safety of the community: a. participate in the Location Monitoring Program, under the Home Detention or Home incarceration provision; b. Submit to supervision by and report to Pretrial Services. c. submit to substance abuse testing and/or treatment as directed by Pretrial Services; d. refrain from use or unlawful possession of narcotics or other controlled substances, unless prescribed by a doctor; e. not possess a firearm, destructive device, or other weapon; f. Report any law enforcement contract to Pretrial Services. WHEREFORE, Ms. Espinoza Martinez prays that this Court grant him release and impose any conditions the Court believes would be necessary.
December 2, 2025 at 9:11 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
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.
Image text: Amended and Renewed Motion for Pretrial Release from Custody Now comes the Defendant, JUAN ESPINOZA MARTINEZ, by and through his attorney, Bedi & Singer, LLP, and pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3142, moves the Court to set conditions for pretrial release. In support of this motion, Defendant states the following: 1. Juan Espinoza Martinez has lived in Chicago for thirty years. He has worked at his brother's construction company for the last decade, showing up every day to earn an honest living. He has never been convicted of a crime. He has never given anyone reason to doubt his character. His entire life, his family, his children, his siblings, and his mother all live in Chicago. Until a few weeks ago, when the government filed a complaint against him, Mr. Espinoza Martinez was simply a working man with deep roots in this community and an unblemished record. He was going to work and taking his children to their soccer games. Now he sits in federal detention, held away from his family and his livelihood, even though every factor this Court must consider under the Bail Reform Act points toward his release. Pretrial Services agrees—recommending release with conditions. Partial image text: On October 5, 2025, a complaint was filed against Mr. Espinoza Martinez charging him with a violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1958(a). (Dkt 1). 3. On October 7, 2025, Mr. Espinoza Martinez's initial appearance was held, and at that time, the government moved for detention based on their claim that Mr. Espinoza Martinez poses a risk of non-appearance and a danger to the community. Based on the government’s proffer, Mr. Espinoza Martinez was detained. (Dkt. 6) On October 10, 2025, Mr. Espinoza Martinez waived his right to a bond determination hearing without prejudice. (Dkt. 15). 4. On October 14, 2025, the Grand Jury returned an indictment against Mr. Espinoza Martinez, charging him with a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1958(a). (Dkt. 12). Ms. Espinoza Martinez is presumed innocent. 5. This Court should release Ms. Espinoza Martinez under certain conditions. In this case, the release is warranted because there are numerous facts under 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g) that demonstrates there are conditions of release that will reasonably assure both Mr. Espinoza Martinez’ appearance in court and the safety of the community. As the Supreme Court held in United States v. Salerno, 481 U.S. 739 (1987), “in our society liberty is the norm, and detention prior to trial…is the carefully limited exception.” Id. at 755. This presumption of release is encapsulated in the Bail Reform Act. The statute states that the Court “shall order” pretrial release, § 3142(b), except in certain narrow circumstances. Even if the Court determines under §3142(c) that an unsecured bond is not sufficient, the Court “shall order” release subject to “the least restrictive further conditions” that will “reasonably assure” the defendant’s appearance in court and the safety of the community. §3142(c)(1). Under this statutory scheme, “it is only a ‘limited group of offenders’ who should be detained pending trial.”
December 2, 2025 at 9:06 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Thread by @jmetr22b.bsky.social with a pretty bleak courtroom story: a man accused of putting a hit on Greg Bovino withdrew his pretrial release motion today, after the possibility was raised that were he released, ICE might grab him.

A court entry today confirms the release motion's withdrawl.
November 26, 2025 at 5:00 AM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Jesus fucking Christ
Image text: The 2026 budget includes massive investments in digital surveillance, including millions of dollars in servers and hardware, as well as dozens of new positions in digital forensics and predictive analytics. In all, more than 56 percent of the county’s general fund is earmarked for the public safety system—which encompasses the Cook County Department of Corrections, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and the various facets of the county court system. The $1.5 billion allocated for law enforcement in 2026 represents an increase of more than $300 million, or about 30 percent, from the previous year, driven mostly by personnel costs. Image text: Key facts: • Total 2026 budget: $10.12 billion • Total 2026 public safety budget: $1.81 billion • Cook County Sheriff’s Office’s 2026 budget: $815 million • Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office’s 2026 budget: $260 million • Cook County Office of the Chief Judge’s 2026 budget: $414 million
November 26, 2025 at 12:36 AM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
The court also released footage of the 9/27 protest marked "News 2 Share," the news agency of videographer Ford Fischer.

The video shows Briggs' arrest, after he's pushed by a Border Patrol agent and falls backward to the ground, from a bystander's perspective.
November 24, 2025 at 11:01 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
New: per Magistrate Judge Gabriel Fuentes' order, Chicago's fed court has released videos, incl. body cam footage, Fuentes said contributed to his dismissal of the assault case against 70 y/o Dana Briggs. Briggs' case stemmed from a 9/27 protest at the Broadview ICE facility.

Here's the BWC video:
November 24, 2025 at 10:53 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
The demand for $7500 in relocation assistance for each current 7500 South Shore resident, 30 days in avdance of their move out, may be complicated by how, per court filings dated 11/20/2025, Wells Fargo and Friedman are seeking Dec. 12 as a move out date. They say this date was proposed by the city.
An emergency motion to set a vacate date for the 7500 South Shore property, dated 11/20/2025. An emergency motion to set a vacate date for the 7500 South Shore property, dated 11/20/2025. An emergency motion to set a vacate date for the 7500 South Shore property, dated 11/20/2025. It states the city has proposed a move out date for 12/12/2025, which Wells Fargo and Friedman (Receiver) also urge the court to adopt. An emergency motion to set a vacate date for the 7500 South Shore property, dated 11/20/2025. It states Wells Fargo and Friedman (Receiver) urge the court to set a move out date for current 7500 South Shore residents for 12/12/2025.
November 24, 2025 at 9:37 PM
djbyrnes1.bsky.social
The demand for $7500 in relocation assistance for each current resident, 30 days in avdance of their move out, may be complicated by how, according to court filings dated 11/20/2025, Wells Fargo and Friedman are seeking Dec. 12 as a move out date. They say this date was proposed by the city.
An emergency motion to set a vacate date for the 7500 South Shore property, dated 11/20/2025. An emergency motion to set a vacate date for the 7500 South Shore property, dated 11/20/2025. An emergency motion to set a vacate date for the 7500 South Shore property, dated 11/20/2025. It states the city has recommended a move out date for 12/12/2025, which Wells Fargo and Friedman (Receiver) also urge the court to adopt. An emergency motion to set a vacate date for the 7500 South Shore property, dated 11/20/2025. In it, Wells Fargo and Friedman (the Receiver) urge the court to set a move out date of 12/12/2025 for current 7500 South Shore tenants.
November 24, 2025 at 9:32 PM