Tina Sfondeles
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tinasfon.bsky.social
Tina Sfondeles
@tinasfon.bsky.social
2.2K followers 60 following 40 posts
national political reporter @suntimes; past: White House reporter @politico, politics correspondent @insider; proud Chicagoan and Greek/Polish American
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tinasfon.bsky.social
Rep. Chuy Garcia was publicly criticized on the House floor Wednesday by a fellow Democrat who wants to adopt a resolution claiming Garcia undermined “the process of a free and fair election” by helping his chief of staff take his place on the ballot.

chicago.suntimes.com/elections/20...
Chuy Garcia blasted on House floor by fellow Democrat for leaving seat to chief of staff
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., read aloud her "privileged resolution," which says "Garcia's actions are beneath the dignity of his office and incompatible with the spirit of the Constitution."
chicago.suntimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:59 AM
Reposted by Tina Sfondeles
jonseidel.bsky.social
'We will win': Six Broadview protesters plead not guilty to conspiracy, decry attack on First Amendment

UPDATED @chicago.suntimes.com story w/ @tinasfon.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
'We will win': Six Broadview protesters plead not guilty to conspiracy, decry attack on First Amendment
Chicago has long been a town where the whiff of a federal indictment is the kiss of political death. Now, three politicians charged in the case, including social media influencer Kat Abughazaleh, seem...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Reposted by Tina Sfondeles
jonseidel.bsky.social
U.S. Border Patrol boss Greg Bovino, fellow agents to soon leave Chicago but could be back four-fold in March

UPDATED @chicago.suntimes.com story w/ @tinasfon.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/public-safet...
U.S. Border Patrol boss Greg Bovino, fellow agents to soon leave Chicago but could be back four-fold in March
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin insists “we aren’t leaving Chicago,” but the feds' immigration campaign is expected to begin winding down. One source said 1000 agents could ret...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:21 AM
tinasfon.bsky.social
"Another source with direct knowledge said the number of Border Patrol agents currently operating in the Chicago area will go from 250 down to 100. But in March, that number could increase to 1,000 agents."

chicago.suntimes.com/public-safet... w/ @jonseidel.bsky.social
U.S. Border Patrol boss Greg Bovino, fellow agents expected to leave Chicago soon
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin insists “we aren’t leaving Chicago,” but the feds' immigration campaign is expected to begin winding down. However, one source said they could b...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:31 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
Sen. Dick Durbin is once again under fire for voting to advance a Republican-led House measure that would help end the government shutdown — angering Democrats who say the extension of health care subsidies must be part of any deal with Republicans.

chicago.suntimes.com/us-senate/20...
Sen. Dick Durbin facing backlash once again for joining GOP in measure to end government shutdown
Three candidates vying for Durbin's seat had strong words, including Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who directly criticized the senator's vote. "We need fighters in D.C.," she said, "not folders."
chicago.suntimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:08 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
An Illinois Department of Transportation employee was stopped by ICE agents while working on a Park Ridge construction project Friday morning — and questioned about incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani before being released.

chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Indian IDOT employee stopped by ICE agents, questioned if he was 'aware' of NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani
Gov. JB Pritzker is speaking out about the incident, which happened Friday morning, calling it another example of President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem "continuing to question U....
chicago.suntimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:53 AM
tinasfon.bsky.social
With Chuy out, Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez explores independent bid for Garcia's Congressional seat
chicago.suntimes.com/elections/20...
With Chuy out, Ald. Sigcho-Lopez explores independent bid for Garcia's Congressional seat
Sigcho-Lopez confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times on Wednesday that he has formed an exploratory committee, after being encouraged to run by community members following U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia's s...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:25 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
“As a rule, Chicago pols love to jimmy rig the election process to install a chosen one," the @suntimes wrote in a 2014 editorial. I compiled a list of Chicago machine-like examples of anointing a successor, including family hand-me-downs.
chicago.suntimes.com/elections/20...
Chuy Garcia’s move shouldn’t surprise -- in Chicago, political handoffs and family dynasties are nothing new
The Chicago Sun-Times collected an overview of some of the most egregious Chicago machine-like examples of anointing a successor, including instances of family hand-me-downs. In some cases, incumbents...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:16 AM
tinasfon.bsky.social
In a surprise move, U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia is not seeking re-election, leaving in place a succession plan for his chief of staff, the only Democrat to file for his seat on the last day to do so.

chicago.suntimes.com/elections/20...
U.S. Rep Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia won't seek reelection, leaves seat for chief of staff
Garcia, 69, has been a fixture in Chicago politics for four decades as an alderperson, Cook County commissioner, state senator and two-time mayoral candidate.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Reposted by Tina Sfondeles
vimiller.bsky.social
Federal agents fired pepper balls after detaining two people in Albany Park Friday morning as the immigration blitz in Chicago continued through Halloween.

“It’s actually horrifying. ... It happens so fast. You prepare, but then you don’t know what to do.”

chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
A federal agent in camouflage puts his knee on a man's sternum as he detains him in a navy-colored shirt Friday in the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue. Protesters with their phones out confront federal agents in green and camouflage fatigues after they detained two men in the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. A federal agent in military fatigues fires a pepper ball gun at the ground near protesters and reporters Friday in the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue. A uniformed Chicago police officer urges protesters back onto the sidewalk after they were standing in front of the vehicles of federal agents, who had just detained two people and fired pepper balls in the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.
October 31, 2025 at 6:50 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
Gov. JB Pritzker has asked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to suspend immigration enforcement operations throughout Chicago for three days so kids can safely celebrate Halloween.

chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Gov. Pritzker asks Noem to pause ICE enforcement for Halloween: 'Please let children be children'
The request, obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, comes four days after ICE agents fired tear gas in the Old Irving Park neighborhood as families and children walked to a Halloween parade.
chicago.suntimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:38 AM
tinasfon.bsky.social
The federal appeals court in Chicago today put a temporary hold on the order requiring Border Patrol commander-at-large Gregory Bovino to appear in a courtroom every weeknight until Nov. 5.

chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/... via @jonseidel.bsky.social
Appeals court temporarily calls off Bovino's daily meeting with judge
It did so after Justice Department lawyers called Judge Sara Ellis' standing appointment with the Border Patrol boss an “extraordinarily disruptive requirement.”
chicago.suntimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Reposted by Tina Sfondeles
jonseidel.bsky.social
DEVELOPING: Feds charge Kat Abughazaleh, other political candidates in conspiracy indictment tied to Broadview protests

Reporting w/ @tinasfon.bsky.social via @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Feds charge Kat Abughazaleh, other political candidates in conspiracy indictment tied to Broadview protests
The indictment alleges that the six were among a group of people who surrounded a government vehicle near the Broadview ICE facility on Sept. 26 and set out to “hinder and impede” a federal agent from...
chicago.suntimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Reposted by Tina Sfondeles
jonseidel.bsky.social
Border in the Court: Today's @chicago.suntimes.com front page story on Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino's appearance at Chicago's Dirksen Federal Courthouse.

Pic by Ashlee Rezin. Reporting w/ @tinasfon.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
October 29, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Reposted by Tina Sfondeles
jonseidel.bsky.social
Greg Bovino showed up as ordered in a federal courtroom in Chicago on Tuesday.

And it turns out he and the judge will be getting to know each other a lot better.

UPDATED @chicago.suntimes.com story w/ @tinasfon.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Border Patrol's Bovino agrees to return to court daily, as he and federal judge talk body cams, tear gas, IDs
The top U.S. Border Patrol commander spent an hour on the stand Tuesday, responding to U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis' concerns about how federal agents have handled themselves, people they’ve detaine...
chicago.suntimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:34 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
Judge Ellis ordered Bovino to come into her courtroom every day at 6 p.m. to provide a report on CBP activities until the TRO ends. She continued a motion filed by plaintiffs to stop the use of tear gas: "If they are using tear gas they better be able to back it up..."
October 28, 2025 at 4:32 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
Judge Ellis asks Bovino if he has a body worn camera. He says no. "How about by Friday you get one for yourself?" Ellis asks. Bovino says, "We can get that... and the training."
October 28, 2025 at 3:43 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
Judge Ellis: "I would like you to do your best to ensure that everybody who is operating under this Midway Blitz Operation, that they all wear body worn cameras." Bovino responds, "Yes, ma'am."
October 28, 2025 at 3:40 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
Judge Ellis: "So, kids dressed in Halloween costumes, walking to a parade, do not pose an immediate threat to the safety of a law enforcement officer. They just don't." Bovino did not react.
October 28, 2025 at 3:38 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
Judge Sara Ellis has been reading the TRO line by line to Bovino on the stand, and commenting on what she's seen: "You've got to leave journalists alone. If they're doing their job, they need to be left alone to do their job."
October 28, 2025 at 3:36 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
Bovino just walked into the courtroom. Hearing set to begin at 10 a.m. He is wearing his usual Border Patrol green uniform.
October 28, 2025 at 2:54 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
Follow @jonseidel.bsky.social and I for updates today from the Dirksen Federal courthouse, where Border Patrol's Gregory Bovino is expected to appear. Here's a picture of protestors at the courthouse's entrance. It's unclear whether Bovino will go through this entrance.
October 28, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Reposted by Tina Sfondeles
szreports.bsky.social
If you want to know what’s going on in Chicago with ICE/DHS — read this excellent piece by
@tinasfon.bsky.social
@jonseidel.bsky.social

And thank the journalists who are documenting events on the ground!

(No paywall at Chicago Sun-Times/Chicago Public Media)

chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Ex-CBP chief details 'unreasonable use of force,' ICE cites 'brazen' hostility in dueling lawsuit narratives
Records placed in front of U.S. District Judge April Perry by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, City Hall and by the Trump administration offer a behind-the-scenes snapshot from law enforcement a...
chicago.suntimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Reposted by Tina Sfondeles
jonseidel.bsky.social
'It's clear that [Illinois State Police] is the difference maker.'

That's what a Chicago ICE official wrote in an email, among hundreds of docs considered by Judge April Perry as she blocked Nat Guard deployment here.

@tinasfon.bsky.social and I took a look: chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Ex-CBP chief details 'unreasonable use of force,' ICE cites 'brazen' hostility in dueling lawsuit narratives
Records placed in front of U.S. District Judge April Perry by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, City Hall and by the Trump administration offer a behind-the-scenes snapshot from law enforcement a...
chicago.suntimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:17 PM
tinasfon.bsky.social
Posing as a TV reporter clad with body armor, Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday mocked the Trump administrative narrative that National Guard troops are needed to quell chaos in “war-torn Chicago” in a bit for ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

chicago.suntimes.com/illinois-gov...
Reporting in 'war-torn' Chicago, Gov. Pritzker mocks Trump's 'hellhole' narrative on Jimmy Kimmel
The governor filmed the video in downtown Chicago on Thursday afternoon around 4 p.m., as proceedings were underway at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in the lawsuit filed by Illinois and Chicago again...
chicago.suntimes.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:54 PM