Jon Seidel
@jonseidel.bsky.social
Federal Courts Reporter, @chicago.suntimes.com
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.
Reposted by Jon Seidel
For those keeping track:
The government pursued charges against five people arrested outside the ICE facility in Broadview, IL during a protest there on Sept. 27.
As of today, all five of those cases have now been thrown out.
The government pursued charges against five people arrested outside the ICE facility in Broadview, IL during a protest there on Sept. 27.
As of today, all five of those cases have now been thrown out.
"Mr. Briggs, you're free to go. This case is dismissed," Fuentes says, banging his gavel.
And that's that, Fuentes off the bench.
And that's that, Fuentes off the bench.
November 20, 2025 at 3:26 PM
For those keeping track:
The government pursued charges against five people arrested outside the ICE facility in Broadview, IL during a protest there on Sept. 27.
As of today, all five of those cases have now been thrown out.
The government pursued charges against five people arrested outside the ICE facility in Broadview, IL during a protest there on Sept. 27.
As of today, all five of those cases have now been thrown out.
Good morning. U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally is now presiding over a remote hearing about conditions inside ICE's holding center in Broadview.
Broadview ICE facility population dwindling as feds shift focus from Chicago: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Broadview ICE facility population dwindling as feds shift focus from Chicago
A Justice Department lawyer told a judge Tuesday that only four people were being held inside the suburban immigration holding facility; last week 20 people were there.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Good morning. U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally is now presiding over a remote hearing about conditions inside ICE's holding center in Broadview.
Good morning. Federal prosecutors in Chicago have moved to dismiss another case tied to Operation Midway Blitz. This time it's the case of Dana Briggs, which had been set for trial 12/8.
Briggs had U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino on his witness list.
Briggs had U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino on his witness list.
November 20, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Good morning. Federal prosecutors in Chicago have moved to dismiss another case tied to Operation Midway Blitz. This time it's the case of Dana Briggs, which had been set for trial 12/8.
Briggs had U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino on his witness list.
Briggs had U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino on his witness list.
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 20, 2025 at 2:06 AM
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...
Federal appeals court halts ruling that curbed use of force during immigration campaign
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Federal appeals court halts ruling that curbed use of force during immigration campaign
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals called the Nov. 6 preliminary injunction from Judge Sara Ellis "overbroad," but it also promised a quick appeal process.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Federal appeals court halts ruling that curbed use of force during immigration campaign
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally just took the bench.
Lawrence Reed is masked and cuffed.
He begins shouting, "I plead guilty! I plead guilty! I plead guilty!"
Lawrence Reed is masked and cuffed.
He begins shouting, "I plead guilty! I plead guilty! I plead guilty!"
DEVELOPING: Terrorism charges filed after woman lit on fire on Blue Line in Loop
Casey He reports: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
Casey He reports: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
Terrorism charges filed after woman lit on fire on Blue Line in Loop
The suspect, Lawrence Reed, has been charged with terrorism, police said.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:38 PM
U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally just took the bench.
Lawrence Reed is masked and cuffed.
He begins shouting, "I plead guilty! I plead guilty! I plead guilty!"
Lawrence Reed is masked and cuffed.
He begins shouting, "I plead guilty! I plead guilty! I plead guilty!"
As we wait for a court appearance in this case, we hear yelling from the lock-up.
DEVELOPING: Terrorism charges filed after woman lit on fire on Blue Line in Loop
Casey He reports: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
Casey He reports: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/1...
Terrorism charges filed after woman lit on fire on Blue Line in Loop
The suspect, Lawrence Reed, has been charged with terrorism, police said.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:27 PM
As we wait for a court appearance in this case, we hear yelling from the lock-up.