Illinois Accountability Commission holds 1st meeting on claims of abuse in 'Operation Midway Blitz'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Clashes with federal agents and the use of chemical agents were put in the spotlight during the Illinois Accountability Commission's first public hearing. It was formed to document claims of abuse during the federal intervention and immigration crackdown in the Chicago area.

Thursday's hearing was part of a larger effort to create a public record of federal agents' actions during Operation Midway Blitz. One, that could, in a future where Donald Trump is no longer president result in the prosecution of those proven to have violated the law.

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Kicking off its first public meeting today-Members of the Illinois Accountability Commission focused much of their time on this November 8th incident....showing the moment when a husband, wife, and their one-year-old child were pepper sprayed by Federal immigration agents as they attempted to drive out of a Costco parking lot

"They had done nothing wrong," said Pastor Matt DeMateo with New Life Community Church. "They were not protesting. They were not chasing ICE vehicles. They were simply shopping."

First up to testify was Pastor DeMateo, who came upon the young family in the immediate aftermath of the incident. It is one of many the commission is expected to address in their meetings, involving federal agents use of force tactics across the city and suburbs.

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"Two people have been shot. One was killed," said Judge Ruben Castillo with the Illinois Accountability Commission. "One woman survived being shot repeatedly and we say how that case fell apart in federal court."

Chairing the commission created by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker back in October, Judge Castillo spoke Thursday about what they hope to achieve.

"We intent to pursue every single fact, every single piece of misconduct," Castillo said.

Chicago Deputy Mayor of Immigrant Mirant and Refugee Rights Beatriz Ponce de Leon spoke in support of the commission's work.

"There is a whole propaganda arm that the federal government is using where they flat out tell lies about what they're doing," Ponce de Leon said. "So, at least this commission will gather and document what really happened here and why it is unlawful and reckless and harmful."

Some of those present, however, questioned the efficacy of a panel whose stated purpose is to create a record for a future when, presumably, there is no longer a Republican in the White House.

"That's too long for us, because we can't wait for three years, or maybe longer, while we're all being attacked," said Quinn Michaelis with the Edgeville Community Rapid Response Team.

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday defended their agents actions, which they continue to say are exercised only in the face of grave threats and dangerous situations.

"DHS law enforcement officers follow the law and the U.S. Constitution," a statement from DHS read in part. "Our law enforcement show incredible restraint and professionalism in exhausting all options before any kind of non-lethal force is used."

The Illinois Accountability Commission has not yet scheduled its next public hearing. They are expected to wrap up their work by April, when Governor Pritzker has asked them present him with their findings and recommendations on how to move forward.