Controversial use-of-force tactics by immigration agents under the Trump administration are taking center stage Wednesday in a Chicago federal courtroom, where a judge is deciding whether to put more long-term restrictions on the use of tear gas and other chemical agents on crowds and provide enhanced protections for protesters and media.

The hearing began with opening statements from the plaintiffs’ lawyers and attorneys for the Department of Homeland Security.

“This case isn’t about a few one-off incidents or a few individuals who slashed some tires,” plaintiffs’ attorney Craig Futterman told the judge. “It’s about their practices targeting journalists, targeting clergy and people exercising their constitutional rights.”

DOJ lawyer Sarmad Khojasteh countered by arguing the case is not

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