On Tuesday, a resident from the North Side announced a lawsuit against the federal government. The legal action concerns an immigration raid carried out without a warrant on October 24, during “Operation Midway Blitz.” This raid targeted construction workers on his property. Nearly nine months ago, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents arrived at Leo Feler’s Lakeview home. There, they chased construction workers, detaining one and leaving tear gas residue behind.
Leo Feler recounted the incident during a news conference on October 31, 2025, in downtown Chicago. He explained how agents detained workers at his home, creating chaos.
The lawsuit was filed in the Northern District Court of Illinois. It lists the U.S. government as a defendant, in the capacity of employing the involved agents, along with the agents themselves. The complaint includes charges of trespassing and negligence, seeking compensation for property damage and a declaration of Fourth Amendment rights violation. The lawsuit does not name individual agents.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security have not provided comments regarding the lawsuit. “Feler does not want his property invaded by masked federal agents pursuing individuals not reasonably suspected of crimes,” states the complaint. It highlights his desire for security for himself and those he invites onto his property.
The suit seeks approximately $30,000 for property damages, such as repairs to an air conditioner, fences, and a damaged gate lock. Blood stains throughout the house are also cited. Feler, who was in Canada during the raid, witnessed the events via a Ring doorbell camera.
Standing in front of his gray clapboard house on Lakewood Avenue, Feler stated that his lawsuit is driven by principle. “Out of respect, admiration, and duty to my country, to our Constitution, and to my tenants and neighbors,” he explained. During the raid, bystanders gathered to express their disapproval.
Feler recounted overhearing agents saying, “throw the tear gas just for fun,” suggesting a lack of seriousness in their actions. This incident left Feler apprehensive about leaving his home unattended, leading him to cancel travel plans and delay house repairs. He now avoids employing day laborers without personal supervision.
The complaint also describes Feler’s struggles with insomnia, which required medication. Feler revealed at a news conference that he left a lucrative private sector job due to concerns about the company’s reaction to his public statements about the raid.
Feler initially attempted to file a police report, but supervisors halted the investigation. Although provided a victim information notice, Feler felt “powerless” to initiate accountability measures.
Dylan Moore, an attorney representing Feler, stated that the decision to sue was not made lightly. “He sought accountability before resorting to a lawsuit,” Moore noted. “The lawsuit facilitates a serious conversation about the incident.” The case’s first hearing date remains undecided.