DHS Justifies Shooting Pepper Balls At Pastor In Chicago Suburb: 'Impeding Operations'

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) justified shooting pepper balls at a group of protesters in Chicago in September, including a pastor, after the images went viral on social media.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin addressed the matter on a social media post, noting that what the "clipped video doesn't show is that these agitators were blocking an ICE vehicle from leaving the federal facility — impeding operations."

"Over and over again, law enforcement ordered these agitators to move off of federal property so the vehicle could move. Law enforcement verbally warned these agitators that they would use force if they did not move and stop impeding operations. They did not comply," the official added.

She went on to say that protesters were also throwing rocks, bottles and launching fireworks at officials. Nonetheless, Border Report noted that Rev. David Black of the First Presbyterian Church had his hands open before being shot.

Black said he invited officials "to repentance." "I basically offered an altar call. I invited them to come and receive that salvation, and be part of the kingdom that is coming." He added that agents laughed after he was hit.

Black has joined a lawsuit accusing the administration of violating First Amendment rights during protests in Illinois. He is among 11 plaintiffs—including journalists, clergy, and media organizations—who allege that federal agents sought to intimidate them and press during the protest outside the Broadview ICE Processing Center, a site of immigration protests.

The complaint, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois and several partner organizations, names President Donald Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and multiple ICE and Customs and Border Protection officials as defendants.

The ACLU's statement said that over the summer, the Trump administration deployed federal forces to multiple U.S. cities "with announced missions to deter crime and enforce immigration laws," but that those forces "used violent force against the press, elected officials, religious leaders, and private individuals engaged in peaceful and protected activities."

The organization called the federal response "a blatant attempt to interfere with the most cherished and fundamental rights enshrined in the First Amendment," including freedom of speech, religion, and the press.