A resident from North Side, Leo Feler, is taking legal action against the federal government after what he claims was an unwarranted immigration raid on his property on October 24. The incident occurred during ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ targeting construction workers on his premises.
Nearly nine months ago, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents arrived at Feler’s Lakeview residence, pursued a group of laborers working on his house, and detained one of them. The agents reportedly left tear gas in the area.
During an October 31 news conference in downtown Chicago, Feler recounted the previous week’s incident. His lawsuit is filed in the Northern District Court of Illinois, naming the U.S. government and the agents involved. The complaint accuses the agents of trespassing and negligence, seeking compensation for property damage and a declaration that Feler’s Fourth Amendment rights were violated. The agents remain unnamed in the lawsuit.
Efforts to get comments from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security have not been successful. According to the complaint, ‘Feler does not want his property to be invaded by masked federal agents chasing individuals who are not reasonably suspected of committing any crimes.’ He desires safety for himself and those he invites onto his property.
The lawsuit demands approximately $30,000, covering damages to Feler’s property and construction materials. Items affected include an air conditioner, two fences, and a front gate lock. Feler, who was in Canada at the raid time, monitored the situation through his Ring doorbell.
Speaking from his residence on Lakewood Avenue, Feler explained he pursued the case on principle as well as for damages, emphasizing respect for the Constitution and consideration for his neighbors. He recounted agents allegedly using tear gas ‘just for fun,’ highlighting the raid’s non-serious nature, leading to significant trauma.
Since the raid, Feler has avoided leaving his home unattended, postponed house work, and no longer hires day laborers without being home. His sleep struggles led him to seek medication. Feler also mentioned he left a well-paying job because of potential fallout from speaking against the raid.
Initially, Feler attempted to file a police report on the incident, but authorities did not proceed with an investigation. Despite receiving a victim information notice, Feler described feeling powerless and questioned how to ensure accountability without an investigation.
His attorney, Dylan Moore, noted Feler’s initial attempts to pursue accountability without litigation and the eventual necessity of a federal lawsuit to address the raid. The initial hearing date for the case is not yet scheduled.