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Violet Miller

@vimiller.bsky.social

2.8K followers 680 following 560 posts

reporter @chicago.suntimes.com
union member @cstguild.bsky.social
drummer, mediocre shortstop
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Violet Miller @vimiller.bsky.social · 25d

Federal agents fired pepper balls after detaining two people in Albany Park Friday morning as the immigration blitz in Chicago continued through Halloween.

“It’s actually horrifying. ... It happens so fast. You prepare, but then you don’t know what to do.”

chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...

A federal agent in camouflage puts his knee on a man's sternum as he detains him in a navy-colored shirt Friday in the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue.

Protesters with their phones out confront federal agents in green and camouflage fatigues after they detained two men in the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.

A federal agent in military fatigues fires a pepper ball gun at the ground near protesters and reporters Friday in the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue.

A uniformed Chicago police officer urges protesters back onto the sidewalk after they were standing in front of the vehicles of federal agents, who had just detained two people and fired pepper balls in the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.

Reposted by Violet Miller

WBEZ

@wbez.org

The landlord received millions in federal rent subsidies while tenants complained about years of poor maintenance and deplorable conditions.

What happened when The Sausage King of Chicago bought a South Side housing complex?

www.wbez.org

November 25, 2025 at 2:54 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Chicago Sun-Times

@chicago.suntimes.com

A Guantánamo detainee testified Monday that Chicago detective Richard Zuley tortured him, supporting a murder suspect's bid for a new trial based on coerced confession allegations.

Ex-Guantánamo detainee testifies a former Chicago detective tortured him for months

chicago.suntimes.com

November 25, 2025 at 5:41 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Chicago Sun-Times

@chicago.suntimes.com

Two California real estate investors own Indian Trails Apartments, a 180-unit subsidized complex on Chicago's South Side that has deteriorated significantly since their 2017 purchase, leaving residents without heat or maintenance.

What happened when The Sausage King of Chicago bought a South Side housing complex?

chicago.suntimes.com

November 25, 2025 at 4:21 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Chicago Sun-Times

@chicago.suntimes.com

Sister JoAnn Persch served with the Sisters of Mercy for 73 years. On Nov. 1, Sister JoAnn was among the delegation denied entry to the Broadview ICE facility when they attempted to bring Communion to those detained inside.

Sister JoAnn Persch, longtime immigrant activist, dies at 91

chicago.suntimes.com

November 23, 2025 at 3:31 PM

Violet Miller

@vimiller.bsky.social

from @charlotteobserver.com: www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/c...

ICE agent's cellphone video

"This is great," an unnamed officer said as they started following Martinez, as captured by an ICE agent's cellphone video played in court Thursday.

"This is fun," another replied.

The video was less than five minutes long and showed officers chasing Martinez about two miles down North Tryon Street before boxing him in.

"He's gonna crash," an officer said.

One replied: "He's gonna get shot is what's gonna happen."

"I'm gonna smash my car," the driver said.
About 30 seconds later, he did.

"He's going to kill someone," one agent said as Martinez briefly drove against traffic.

At least one federal vehicle drove into oncoming traffic before Martinez did, video shows.

Video shows Martinez merged right into a lane to avoid hitting another person driving, and the ICE driver veered left - toward Martinez.

The cars briefly collided and continued driving.
"I tried, I tried my best," the officer driving said. "Sorry, boys."

As Martinez continued to drive away, one officer said «this is now a federal felony" as others in the car yelled: "Hit him guys, why are you afraid of him? Knock him out! Hit him!”

As other officers in SUVs tried to box Martinez in, the driving agent on video said: "I don't want to do it anymore." Officers eventually stopped Martinez, and when they got out of their cars, they yelled:

"Watch for crossfire!"

November 23, 2025 at 3:02 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Jim Daley

@jimdaleywrites.bsky.social

Burke is allowing cops to directly file gun felony charges while the police department is run by a superintendent who, as a young officer, was implicated with three other cops in threatening to plant drugs on a man if he didn't bring them a gun.

southsideweekly.com/chicago-poli...

November 22, 2025 at 4:27 PM

Violet Miller

@vimiller.bsky.social

In Illinois, 29 trans teens have died by suicide this year, per Trans Up Front, a trans youth advocacy group. Last year we lost four; six in 2023.

“This administration is targeting our children, they’re trying to take the next generation… [But] we’re gonna be here forever. We’ve always been here.”

On Trans Day of Remembrance, community reflects on those lost: 'We're gonna be here forever'

But even in Illinois — where many trans people have fled as persecution against them ramps up in other states — 29 trans teens have died by suicide this year, according to a count by Trans Up Front Il...

chicago.suntimes.com

November 21, 2025 at 1:49 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Assigned Media

@assignedmedia.org

As the Trump administration continues its attacks on immigrants in the US, there are increasing signs that ICE is holding trans detainees under their dead names to make them harder to locate.

This story brought to you by @evanurquhart.bsky.social

Trans Group Warns ICE is Holding Trans People Under Previous Names — Assigned

The group, who says they have been in contact with five trans people in ICE detention, is advising members of the community to share their former names with trusted friends.

www.assignedmedia.org

November 20, 2025 at 9:56 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Jon Seidel

@jonseidel.bsky.social

Federal appeals court puts release of hundreds of ICE detainees on hold

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

Reposted by Violet Miller

Dave Byrnes

@djbyrnes1.bsky.social

Big day for the government moving to dismiss Midway Blitz-related federal assault cases.

November 20, 2025 at 3:58 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Susan Rinkunas

@susanrinkunas.com

NEW: Trump's DOJ sent a subpoena to a gender-affirming care clinic seeking information on patients, including minors, and its insurance billing practices. The clinic—which doesn't even take insurance—fought the demand in court and won.
Read @garnethenderson.com in @autonomynews.co

The DOJ Subpoenaed Patient Info From a Gender-Affirming Care Clinic. It Fought Back.

A Washington judge quashed the Trump administration's attempt to subpoena patient information from the telehealth practice QueerDoc—but the fight may not be over.

www.autonomynews.co

November 19, 2025 at 10:10 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Assigned Media

@assignedmedia.org

BREAKING: The HHS has re-released a May document purporting to review the evidence in youth gender medicine. The re-release includes authors from SEGM and the Manhattan Institute.

Read our story here:

www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...

HHS Re-releases Document Claiming to Review Youth Gender Medicine — Assigned

The original release did not include the names of the authors, who include conservative and anti-trans activists.

www.assignedmedia.org

November 19, 2025 at 4:17 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Jon Seidel

@jonseidel.bsky.social

#BREAKING The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed Judge Sara Ellis' preliminary injunction, which restricted the feds' use of force in Chicago.

The appeals court says her order is "overbroad" but warns "do not overread today's order."

ORDER
On November 6, 2025, the district court ordered a preliminary injunction forbidding defendants from using certain crowd control techniques and imposing additional requirements on law enforcement activities. Dist. Ct. DE 250.
Defendants seek a stay pending appeal, and plaintiffs oppose. A stay is appropriate if the movant demonstrates a likelihood of success on the merits and irreparable injury. Nken v. Holder, 556 U.S. 418, 434 (2009); Camelot Banquet Rooms, Inc. v. Small Bus. Admin, 14 F.4th 624, 628 (7th Cir. 2021) (per curiam). And “[i]n close
cases ... [a court] will balance the equities and weigh the relative harms to the applicant and to the respondent.” Hollingsworth v. Perry, 558 U.S. 183, 190 (2010) (per curiam).

Defendants are likely to succeed on the merits. The preliminary injunction entered by the district court is overbroad. In no uncertain terms, the district court’s order enjoins an expansive range of defendants, including the President of the United States, the entire Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, and anyone acting in concert with them. The practical effect is to enjoin all law enforcement officers within the Executive Branch. Further, the order requires the enjoined parties to submit for judicial review all current and future internal guidance, policies, and directives regarding efforts to implement the order—a mandate impermissibly infringing on principles of separation of powers on this record. Finally, the district court’s order is too prescriptive. For example, it enumerates and proscribes the use of scores of riot control weapons and other devices in a way that resembles a federal regulation.
We also have reservations about Article III standing. Open questions remain whether plaintiffs have shown that the past harm they allegedly faced is likely to imminently happen to them in the future. City of Los Angeles v. Lyons, 461 U.S. 95, 105– 06 (1983). A fear that such harm will recur is insufficient, on its own, to show standing for injunctive relief. Id. at 107 n.8. And we are aware of public reporting suggesting that the enhanced immigration enforcement initiative may have lessened or ceased, which could affect both the justiciability of this case and the propriety of injunctive relief.
Additionally, defendants face irreparable harm. Trump v. CASA, Inc., 606 U.S. 831, 860–61 (2025). “Any time that the Government is enjoined by a court from effectuating statutes enacted by representatives of its people, it suffers a form of irreparable injury.” Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, No. 25A169, 2025 WL 2585637, at *3 (U.S. Sept. 8, 2025) (citation modified); see also CASA, Inc., 606 U.S. at 861. And the balance of equities does not counsel against awarding defend…

November 19, 2025 at 8:07 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

NPR

@npr.org

After commentator Megyn Kelly seemed to downplay the youth of Jeffrey Epstein's victims, former child actresses and current teenagers took to social media to express outrage. n.pr/4o6Vfmi

What does 15 look like? Teens and former child actors weigh in online after Megyn Kelly comments

After commentator Megyn Kelly seemed to downplay the youth of Jeffrey Epstein's victims, former child actresses and current teenagers took to social media to express outrage.

n.pr

November 18, 2025 at 11:56 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Windy City Times

@windycitytimes.com

The recognition comes after a standout year for @jakewittich.bsky.social's career, which has included growing Windy City Times’ newsletter operation from the ground up, doubling down on in-depth LGBTQ+ reporting, and training others through Windy City Times’ inaugural community journalism cohort.

Jake Wittich, managing editor of Windy City Times, named ‘Chicago Journalist of the Year’ - Windy City Times

The Chicago Journalists Association recognized Windy City Times managing editor Jake Wittich with its Chicago Journalist of the Year award during its 86th anniversary ceremony on Nov. 14. The award re...

windycitytimes.com

November 18, 2025 at 4:39 PM

Violet Miller

@vimiller.bsky.social

Broadview's mayor said “out-of-towners” had “chosen their fists" but video shows calm before cops grab Rev Michael Woolf from the crowd.

“If they were willing to do that to clergy in broad daylight ... I can’t even imagine what they’re doing to our immigrant neighbors," said Rev Luke Harris-Ferree.

Pastors speak of brutality of arrests at hands of local cops at Broadview ICE facility

Pastor Luke Harris-Ferree and the Rev. Michael Woolf were arrested Friday while trying to meet and pray with detainees. They call on Gov. JB Pritzker to answer for the excessive use of force by police...

chicago.suntimes.com

November 17, 2025 at 5:16 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Jared Rutecki

@jaredrutecki.bsky.social

Chicago must borrow $283.3 million to cover the soaring cost of lawsuits alleging Chicago police officers committed a wide range of misconduct — including wrongful convictions and improper pursuits — as part of the city’s 2026 budget, Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Chicago Set to Borrow $283.3M to Resolve Police Misconduct Lawsuits

It will likely cost Chicago taxpayers approximately $52 million in interest to borrow that money and pay off during the next five years, according to estimates provided to the Chicago City Council by ...

news.wttw.com

November 17, 2025 at 3:02 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Tom Schuba

@schuba.bsky.social

Trump's Chicago deportation blitz has hinged on aggressive and forceful policing tactics: Shootings, takedowns, chokeholds, car chases, chemical munitions, etc.

To get a better sense of the scope and the impact, we mapped incidents, spoke to those affected and analyzed policy.
tinyurl.com/3nrkaw55

Tear gas, car crashes, rubber bullets: Risky tactics have driven Trump’s Chicago deportation ‘blitz’

Law enforcement experts say federal agents have displayed a lack of training and restraint. “They’re out of control,” ex-police Supt. Garry McCarthy says.

tinyurl.com

November 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Jon Seidel

@jonseidel.bsky.social

U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally has confirmed on the docket that the site visit at the ICE holding facility in Broadview went forward today.

But there wasn't much for the public to see. @vimiller.bsky.social reports that attorneys were seen walking out, chatting and leaving.

Jon Seidel @jonseidel.bsky.social · 18d

Magistrate judge plans visit to ICE Broadview facility amid lawsuit over conditions

From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...

Magistrate judge plans visit to ICE Broadview facility amid lawsuit over conditions

The visit has been tentatively planned for Thursday morning, and details will be sorted out early next week.

chicago.suntimes.com

November 13, 2025 at 11:21 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Dave Byrnes

@djbyrnes1.bsky.social

Some excerpts that stood out to me from District Judge Jeff Cummings' order today, compelling the release of at least some people found to have been detained in violation of a prior consent decree limiting how and when federal immigration agents can carry out warrantless arrests.

Image text:

ORDER
Motion hearing held on plaintiffs’ motion for placement of potential class members on
alternatives to detention, (Dckt. #219). For the reasons stated on the record in open court, and
summarized in part below, the Court grants plaintiffs’ cross-motion in part and orders as follows.
To begin, in the parties’ joint status reports filed on November 7, 2025, the parties report
that they have agreed—after an examination of the pertinent arrest records—that 46 class
members were arrested in violation of the terms of the Consent Decree and are thus entitled to
relief under the Decree. (Dckt. #244 at 3–4). However, the majority of these class members
have already been removed from the United States, either involuntarily or voluntarily, and only
13 of these class members remain in detention. After meeting and conferring as to the identity of
these individuals, by 12:00 p.m. on November 14, 2025, defendants shall release these 13
individuals whom the parties agree were arrested in violation of the Consent Decree, remain in
custody, and who are therefore subject to release “on their own recognizance without bond or
conditions of release” pursuant to Section V(E)(2) of the Consent Decree. The Court stays the
involuntary removal and removal for voluntary departure for these individuals until the nextbusiness day after their release from custody. This will ensure that the class members can obtain
the benefit of the relief provided by the Consent Decree before they are potentially removed
from the United States.

Highlighted image text:

More broadly, in their October 29, 2025 submission, (Dckt. #232), defendants
represented that they were able to provide plaintiffs with the name, A-number, country of origin,
and date of arrest for the approximately 3,000 individuals arrested from approximately June 11,
2025 through approximately October 7, 2025 (including those arrested in connection with
Operation Midway Blitz). After a review of the pertinent records, defendants determined that
approximately 615 of these individuals “are not subject to mandatory detention and do not have
final orders of removal.”

Highlighted Image text:

And, overall, an estimated 60% of those who have been arrested under Operation Midway Blitz
have been removed from the United States. Plaintiffs assert that many class members are
choosing to voluntarily depart to escape the unsafe and unsanitary conditions that they have been
subjected to while in ICE detention. Their argument is supported by a ruling in another case in
this District in which the plaintiff detainees have been granted injunctive relief to avoid the
irreparable harm that they have suffered and will be likely to suffer on account of the abominable
conditions that they were subjected to in the ICE facility in Broadview Illinois.

Highlighted image text:

For these reasons, the Court will exercise its discretion to grant equitable relief under the
Consent Decree. To this end, by 12:00 p.m. CST on November 14, 2025, with respect to the
subset of 615 individuals discussed on the record, defendants shall provide the Court with their
names and specify which of the individuals in this group have been identified by defendants as
posing a “high public safety risk” if they were released. The Court further orders each individual
within this group who is still detained and who does not have a “high public safety risk”
designation to be released from detention upon payment of the $1,500 bond specified by 8
U.S.C. §1226(a)(2)(1) and their enrollment in ICE’s ATD program. To reiterate, as stated on the
record in open court, the Court will not release from detention any foreign national who has been
designated by the government as a “high public safety risk.” The Court stays its order releasing
these individuals from detention until 12:00 p.m. CST on November 21, 2025. The Court also
stays the involuntary removal and removal for voluntary departure for these individuals until the
next business day after their release from custody

November 13, 2025 at 8:31 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Chicago Sun-Times

@chicago.suntimes.com

A day care teacher was released from federal immigration custody just hours after a federal judge ruled her arrest last week “unlawful."

Day care teacher released from federal immigration custody after judge rules arrest 'unlawful'

chicago.suntimes.com

November 13, 2025 at 6:20 PM

Reposted by Violet Miller

Tom Schuba

@schuba.bsky.social

Chicago's Far South Side devolved into chaos when residents confronted Border Patrol agents who rammed a car to make an arrest.

The feds ultimately used tear gas to flee, despite a Chicago police leader offering to clear a path and warning that cops didn't have gas masks.
tinyurl.com/mt3sfh4j

Feds deployed tear gas on the Far South Side even after cops told them they had no gas masks, sources say

The agents deployed gas, smoke and other riot-control chemicals against residents and officers, including Chicago Police Department Deputy Chief Dan O’Connor, who had asked them not to use the gas, la...

tinyurl.com

November 13, 2025 at 5:57 PM

Violet Miller

@vimiller.bsky.social

A bond hearing for Diana Santillana Galeano is to be held by Nov. 18, answering an habeas petition.

Her attorneys say the court “recognized that Diana and scores of others like her should not be in custody indefinitely… This is an important step on Diana’s path to returning home where she belongs.”