Federal Immigration Enforcement, Use of Force, and Civil Rights: A Conversation With Chase Wilson
Mon Feb 02 2026
Chase Wilson is an attorney who focuses on civil rights and constitutional law, with experience navigating complex use-of-force and government accountability cases. In this episode, Chase joins Circle City Conversations host Alex Limontes to break down recent federal immigration enforcement incidents and the legal frameworks that govern accountability when federal officers are involved.
In this episode…
Recent federal immigration enforcement actions have raised serious questions about the use of force, accountability, and the legal remedies available to victims and their families. High-profile incidents in Minneapolis involving the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Peretti have brought renewed attention to how ICE agents operate in public spaces and the legal limitations that arise when federal officers are accused of excessive force.
Chase Wilson walks through the facts surrounding these incidents, explaining how publicly available video footage has played a critical role in shaping the narrative and exposing potential misconduct. He outlines the legal barriers victims face when pursuing civil rights claims against federal officers, including the limits of 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the erosion of Bivens claims, and the challenges of pursuing wrongful death actions under the Federal Tort Claims Act, particularly within the Seventh Circuit. The conversation also explores doctrines such as qualified immunity, the discretionary function exception, and how courts analyze reasonableness in deadly force cases.
In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes and Chase Wilson discuss what ICE agents can and cannot legally do during enforcement actions, including warrantless arrests in public spaces and the constitutional protections that apply to private property. They also share practical guidance for bystanders and community members, including the importance of documenting encounters, understanding constitutional rights, and seeking experienced civil rights counsel. The episode concludes with a broader discussion on the need for accountability, mentorship within civil rights law, and the critical role attorneys play in protecting civil liberties amid aggressive enforcement efforts.
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Chase Wilson is an attorney who focuses on civil rights and constitutional law, with experience navigating complex use-of-force and government accountability cases. In this episode, Chase joins Circle City Conversations host Alex Limontes to break down recent federal immigration enforcement incidents and the legal frameworks that govern accountability when federal officers are involved. In this episode… Recent federal immigration enforcement actions have raised serious questions about the use of force, accountability, and the legal remedies available to victims and their families. High-profile incidents in Minneapolis involving the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Peretti have brought renewed attention to how ICE agents operate in public spaces and the legal limitations that arise when federal officers are accused of excessive force. Chase Wilson walks through the facts surrounding these incidents, explaining how publicly available video footage has played a critical role in shaping the narrative and exposing potential misconduct. He outlines the legal barriers victims face when pursuing civil rights claims against federal officers, including the limits of 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the erosion of Bivens claims, and the challenges of pursuing wrongful death actions under the Federal Tort Claims Act, particularly within the Seventh Circuit. The conversation also explores doctrines such as qualified immunity, the discretionary function exception, and how courts analyze reasonableness in deadly force cases. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes and Chase Wilson discuss what ICE agents can and cannot legally do during enforcement actions, including warrantless arrests in public spaces and the constitutional protections that apply to private property. They also share practical guidance for bystanders and community members, including the importance of documenting encounters, understanding constitutional rights, and seeking experienced civil rights counsel. The episode concludes with a broader discussion on the need for accountability, mentorship within civil rights law, and the critical role attorneys play in protecting civil liberties amid aggressive enforcement efforts.