(RNS) — A federal judge in Illinois has issued a temporary restraining order barring government agents from using a number of forceful tactics against faith-based demonstrators who have been protesting outside a Chicago-area U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. The order hands a win to activists who say their right to religious freedom has been violated by law enforcement who repeatedly shot them with pepper balls and other projectiles.
The order, handed down Thursday (Oct. 9), came three days after the complaint was filed against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Although the suit was primarily brought by journalists who allege they have been targeted by federal agents, the list of plaintiffs also included the Rev. David Black, a Chicago-area Presbyterian minister.
According to journalist Dave Byrnes, Judge Sara Ellis mentioned Black during court proceedings on Wednesday, recounting an incident that took place last month when Black was filmed praying in front of the ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois. As the pastor finished his prayer, footage shows federal agents firing at him using pepper balls, which can cause eye irritation and respiratory distress. Black was struck multiple times, including in the head.
Other faith-based demonstrators and clergy say they have also been pelted with nonlethal rounds while protesting at the facility, as religious activists have been a regular presence at the location for the past few weeks.
The Rev. Dav …