Pastor Sues ICE for Shooting Him in the Head With Pepper Balls

Chicago has seen a considerable amount of turmoil in recent weeks, as local protestors make their voices heard amidst the growing immigration controversy in the United States. Putting the political aspects of this conflict aside, the situation has also caused considerable violence and injuries to people on both sides. One such incident involved a pastor who was allegedly shot in the head with pepper balls by ICE agents. This incident has led to a First Amendment lawsuit. 

Video of Pastor Being Shot by Pepper Balls Goes Viral

Footage from the incidents unfolding in Chicago is shocking, and much of this footage has gone viral. One of the most recent and notable examples depicts a pastor being shot in the head with pepper balls. The pastor seemed to be praying when the projectiles impacted his head. 

Pepper balls are non-lethal weapons employed by certain law enforcement agencies. When they impact targets, these rounds burst and expel the same substance found in pepper spray. As a result, pepper balls can lead to not only physical bruising but also eye injuries. It is also worth noting that although law enforcement classifies pepper balls as “non-lethal,” they have the potential to maim and kill in certain conditions. 

Pastor Says That ICE Agents Laughed After Hitting Him in the Head

The pastor claims that he could hear ICE agents laughing at him after at least two pepper balls struck him in the head. He also claims that he was engaging in legitimate religious activities when he was struck, spreading his arms wide and uttering prayers. After the incident, the pastor stated that he was verbally inviting the ICE agents to repent when they shot him. 

Lawsuit Hinges on Alleged First Amendment Violations

The pastor is suing ICE on First Amendment grounds. Specifically, his legal team is arguing that the government infringed on his right to worship. The lawsuit also notes First Amendment infringements upon the free press and the civilians’ right to protest. Another clergy member subsequently joined the lawsuit, alleging that she was also fired upon “without warning or justification” by ICE agents. She was singing a song of protest at the time of the pepper ball assault. 

The New Republic claims that it is “obvious” that the pastor was specifically singled out by ICE agents at the time of the incident. However, it is also worth noting that the pastor was simply the closest individual to the agents at the time. One might argue that ICE agents identified him as a heightened threat because of his proximity and his outstretched hands. In any case, these are the kinds of arguments the government will rely on when responding to the claims. 

The current administration accuses the pastor of using his clergy status as a way to shield protestors and force agents into making difficult situations. After all, the optics of firing upon a pastor are never good. Was this pastor simply using his status as a clergy member to get closer to ICE agents? Or was he legitimately trying to pray at the forefront of a potentially angry and violent crowd? This story has become a major focus in national news, and it is not over yet. 

The Goal of the Universal Life Church’s Blog

Each month, various lawsuits test the nature of religious rights in this country. While the basis for many religious rights is the United States Constitution, there are still countless cases that question the exact nature of these rights. The Universal Life Church’s blog is focused on documenting the most noteworthy of these cases in an objective manner that can be easily understood by readers.