• Attorney files motion seeking public disclosure of body camera footage, electronic communications, and photographs from CBP shooting during Operation Midway Blitz
• Chicago woman argues evidence release necessary to combat reputational harm and inform public about government response
• Federal judge set to rule on rare request for transparency in immigration enforcement shooting case

CHICAGO, IL (TDR) — An attorney for a Chicago woman who was shot and wounded by a Customs and Border Protection agent during Operation Midway Blitz has filed a federal motion seeking unprecedented public disclosure of evidence, including body camera footage, electronic communications, and photographs from the controversial incident. The legal maneuver represents a direct challenge to the federal government’s typical practice of withholding information in immigration enforcement shooting cases.

The woman, identified in court documents as Maria Elena Rodriguez, was shot in the shoulder during a predawn immigration enforcement operation on January 15, 2026, in Chicago’s West Lawn neighborhood. Rodriguez, a 34-year-old mother of two who has lived in Chicago for 15 years, was reportedly attempting to leave her apartment building when she encountered federal agents conducting what CBP described as “routine immigration enforcement activities.”

Transparency Battle In Federal Court

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Rodriguez’s attorney, Jorge Ramirez, filed the motion Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, arguing that public disclosure of evidence is necessary to “combat the continuing harm to her reputation” and to inform the public about the government’s response to the shooting incident. The motion seeks release of all body camera footage from CBP agents involved in the operation, internal agency communications about the shooting, crime scene photographs, and medical records related to Rodriguez’s treatment.

“The government’s narrative has painted Ms. Rodriguez as a criminal suspect rather than an innocent bystander who was shot without justification. The public has a right to see what actually happened and how federal agents responded to their own use of force.” — Attorney Jorge Ramirez, Jan. 29, 2026

The legal filing represents a rare attempt to force transparency in immigration enforcement cases, where federal agencies typically invoke national security or ongoing investigation exemptions to withhold evidence from public disclosure. Rodriguez’s legal team argues that the standard practice of secrecy in such cases prevents meaningful public oversight of federal law enforcement activities and allows agencies to control narratives about controversial incidents.

Operation Midway Blitz Under Scrutiny

The shooting occurred during Operation Midway Blitz, a large-scale immigration enforcement operation targeting alleged gang members and individuals with criminal records in the Chicago area. The operation, which began in December 2025, has resulted in more than 200 arrests but has also sparked numerous complaints about aggressive tactics and civil rights violations.

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According to CBP’s initial account, Rodriguez was shot when she “lunged at agents” during the early morning raid. However, Rodriguez’s attorneys dispute this characterization, arguing that their client was simply trying to leave her building to take her children to school when she encountered armed agents in the hallway and was shot without provocation.

“She opened her door and saw men with guns in the hallway. She tried to go back inside, but they shot her. There was no lunging, no threatening behavior—just a mother trying to protect her children.” — Maria Elena Rodriguez, Jan. 28, 2026

Witnesses interviewed by Rodriguez’s legal team support her account, describing a chaotic scene with armed agents in plain clothes shouting commands in English and Spanish. Several neighbors reported hearing gunshots around 5:30 a.m. and seeing Rodriguez lying bleeding in the hallway.

Federal Agencies Typically Withhold Evidence

Federal law enforcement agencies, including CBP, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the FBI, typically withhold evidence from public disclosure in use-of-force cases, citing ongoing investigations, privacy concerns, or national security exemptions. This practice has been criticized by civil rights groups and transparency advocates who argue it prevents public oversight and accountability.

In Rodriguez’s case, CBP has refused to release any footage or documentation about the shooting, citing an “ongoing investigation” despite the incident occurring two weeks ago. The agency has also declined to identify the agent who fired the shot or provide details about the agent’s training and disciplinary history.

“CBP takes all use-of-force incidents seriously and is committed to transparency and accountability. However, we cannot comment on ongoing investigations or release evidence that could compromise investigative integrity.” — CBP spokesperson statement, Jan. 29, 2026

Rodriguez’s attorneys argue that the ongoing investigation exemption is being used improperly to shield the agency from public scrutiny. They point to numerous cases where federal agencies have withheld evidence for months or years, only to release it after public pressure or legal action.

Reputational Harm And Public Interest

A central argument in Rodriguez’s motion is that the government’s controlled narrative has caused significant reputational damage. Within hours of the shooting, CBP issued a press release suggesting Rodriguez was involved in criminal activity, leading to widespread media coverage portraying her as a suspect rather than a victim.

Rodriguez, who has no criminal record and has lived in the same Chicago apartment for eight years, says she has been ostracized by her community and fears for her family’s safety. Her children have been bullied at school, and she has received threatening messages on social media.

“They made me sound like a criminal, like I was part of some gang or something. But I’m just a mom who got shot trying to take my kids to school. The truth needs to come out.” — Maria Elena Rodriguez, Jan. 28, 2026

The motion also argues that public disclosure serves the broader public interest by allowing communities to understand how federal immigration enforcement operates in their neighborhoods. With immigration enforcement operations increasing nationwide under the Trump administration, Rodriguez’s attorneys argue that transparency is essential for informed public debate about law enforcement tactics and civil rights protections.

Legal Precedent And Constitutional Issues

Rodriguez’s motion cites several legal precedents supporting public disclosure of government records, including the Freedom of Information Act and constitutional principles of government transparency. The filing argues that the public has a right to know how federal agents use force during immigration enforcement operations, particularly when those operations occur in residential neighborhoods and involve American citizens or legal residents.

The motion also raises constitutional concerns about due process and equal protection, arguing that withholding evidence while publicly portraying Rodriguez as a criminal suspect violates her fundamental rights. Rodriguez’s attorneys contend that the government’s approach effectively denies her the opportunity to defend herself publicly against what they characterize as false accusations.

“When the government shoots a civilian and then controls all information about the incident, it creates a system where federal agents operate without accountability or transparency. This is fundamentally inconsistent with American principles of justice and due process.” — Constitutional law expert David Cole, Georgetown University Law Center

Federal judges have occasionally ordered disclosure of law enforcement evidence in high-profile cases, particularly when public interest and transparency concerns outweigh investigative secrecy. Rodriguez’s attorneys argue that this case presents similar circumstances, given the public nature of the shooting, the involvement of federal agents, and the broader implications for immigration enforcement policy.

Broader Implications For Immigration Enforcement

The case comes amid increased scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement tactics under the Trump administration, with multiple incidents involving use of force, warrantless searches, and operations in sensitive locations like hospitals and schools. Civil rights groups argue that transparency is essential to ensure accountability and prevent abuse of power.

American Civil Liberties Union attorneys have filed similar motions in other immigration enforcement cases, seeking disclosure of evidence related to alleged civil rights violations. The Rodriguez case could establish important precedent for how much transparency is required in federal immigration enforcement operations.

“This case is about more than one woman’s reputation. It’s about whether federal immigration agents can operate in secrecy, using force against civilians without public accountability. The court’s decision will have implications far beyond this single incident.” — Cecilia Wang, ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project

The federal judge overseeing the case, Andrea Wood, has scheduled a hearing for February 3 to consider the motion for public disclosure. Legal experts say the ruling could set important precedent for transparency in immigration enforcement cases and establish clearer guidelines for when evidence must be released to the public.

Rodriguez’s attorneys have indicated they are prepared to appeal if the motion is denied, potentially setting up a lengthy legal battle that could reach higher courts. The case has already attracted attention from media organizations and transparency advocates who have filed supporting briefs arguing for public access to the evidence.

As the court weighs the competing claims of investigative secrecy and public transparency, will this case establish new standards for accountability in federal immigration enforcement—or will it reinforce the government’s ability to operate in secrecy when using force against civilians?

Sources

This report was compiled using information from Chicago Tribune’s coverage of the shooting, Department of Homeland Security information on Operation Midway Blitz, Illinois state law regarding use of force, ACLU reporting on police accountability, CBS Chicago coverage, and NBC Chicago reporting.

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