In a striking rebuke of federal law enforcement tactics, U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis has escalated her legal stance against Gregory Bovino, the commander of the Trump administration’s Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, branding him a "lying liar" in recent court proceedings. The operation, which saw a heavy military presence in the city, has been under scrutiny for alleged excessive force and constitutional violations.

The controversy intensified when a group of journalists, protesters, and clergy brought a lawsuit against the administration, resulting in Judge Ellis issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO) to limit the use of aggressive riot control tactics, such as tear gas, unless there was an immediate safety threat. However, Bovino was later captured on video deploying tear gas into a crowd without prior warning, directly contravening the court’s order.

During a subsequent court session aimed at addressing these violations, Judge Ellis did not mince words. She upgraded the TRO to a preliminary injunction and fiercely criticized Bovino’s actions and credibility. According to Ellis, Bovino had falsely claimed he resorted to tear gas only after being struck by a rock—a statement contradicted by video evidence presented during the deposition.

Ellis expressed her dismay at the government's portrayal of events in Chicago, describing it as "untrue" and highlighting that protesters were being "threatened and harmed" while exercising their constitutional rights. The judge underscored the severity of the issue by stating that the tactics used by Bovino and his forces "shocks the conscience."

In her ruling, Judge Ellis granted "complete relief to the plaintiffs," a significant legal victory for those opposing the federal operation. This decision marks a crucial moment in the ongoing debate over the balance between national security and civil liberties, especially concerning the conduct of law enforcement during the previous administration.

The outcome of this legal battle not only underscores the judiciary's crucial role in overseeing government actions but also sets a precedent for how similar future operations should be conducted, ensuring that constitutional rights are upheld even in the face of national security concerns.