Appeals Court Mulls Release of Hundreds of Detained Immigrants

A federal appeals court is reviewing a district judge’s order to release on bond hundreds of immigrants detained in the Chicago area in recent months, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Last month, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings ordered the release of more than 600 people on bond, but the appeals court paused that ruling. (Photo: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division) 

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Tuesday about a 2022 consent decree in Chicago that outlines how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can carry out so-called warrantless arrests.

Last month, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings ordered the release of more than 600 people on bond, but the appeals court paused that ruling.

Attorneys representing the detainees say time is critical as many are being deported without knowing their options. Federal government attorneys said about 450 remain in custody.