>> Hello and thanks for joining us on Chicago tonight.

I'm Nick Blumberg.

Brandis Friedman has the evening off.

Here's what we're looking at.

The latest on the Bears Stadium plans as Indiana pushes to become the team's new home.

>> I can't tell you how many people.

Came forward to help this family.

>> After weeks in ICE detention, a Chicago man with epilepsy is returning to his family.

And 2 local teen brothers on documenting encounters with immigration agents.

First off tonight, the man acquitted of murder for hire against Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino cannot be deported.

>> That was the word from a federal judge who ruled want Espinosa.

Martinez is likely at minimum entitled to a bond hearing and not subject to mandatory detention.

Espinosa was taken into custody by ICE last month after being swiftly acquitted of placing a $10,000 bounty on to the now its records show he was in custody in Clay County, Indiana.

As of this morning.

Don't wait too long to send in your vote by mail ballot.

That was the warning today from Cook County Clerk, Monica Gordon, who says a new postal service policy means that pieces of mail will no longer be postmarked when they're received.

But when they're processed, can be days later.

That's especially true during high-volume periods and in less populous areas under Illinois law ballots are valid.

If they're postmarked by Election Day and received within 2 weeks.

So Gordon says voters should take steps to ensure their vote is counted.

>> Do not wait until the final days for Election Day to mail your ballot.

If possible.

Take your ballot directly to your local post office and request that it is postmarked at the counter when you drop it off.

Beginning March second, when early voting begins, there will be 55 secure mail ballot DROP box locations throughout suburban Cook County.

reinforce this message for all of us will be sending advisories directly mail ballot voters and providing detailed guidance on our website.

>> Coby White is a bull no more.

The longest tenured member of the team was reportedly traded today to the Charlotte Hornets just ahead of the trade deadline along with Mike Conley junior exchange for Collin Sexton and 3 0nd round draft picks White's play.

Just 29 games this season amid injuries but was on the court last night in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Also this week, Chicago traded Nick lived much of its to Boston so far this season.

The Bulls are 24 27.

Up next, the stadium battle brewing between Illinois and Indiana.

That's right after this.

>> Chicago tonight is made possible in part why the Alexander and John Nichols family.

The Pope Brothers Foundation.

And the support of these donors.

>> Well, the blitz is on as Indiana pushes to become the new home of the Chicago Bears state lawmakers there are considering a bill that would allow a government authority to buy land and finance the construction of a new NFL stadium.

The bill passed out of Indiana state Senate last week by a 46 to 2 vote and now heads to the House.

It has the support of Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Bears leadership.

Joining us is one of the bill's sponsors, Indiana State Representative Earl Harris Junior, a Democrat whose district includes East chicago Representative Harris.

Thanks for being with us.

We appreciate it.

>> Thanks for having me.

Appreciate the opportunity.

>> So as we mentioned, you are backing this bill to create a northwest Indiana Stadium authority.

What with that body be allowed to do?

>> Yeah.

That body really will be responsible for a lot of the financial think so.

In terms of purchases of lands that are necessary.

Construction leases, anything in that round.

This body will take care of and make sure of it's another step in the process of drawing the bears in attracting them to come to northwest Indiana.

>> So there have been a few different sites floated for a potential stadium.

We've heard of one in Hammond, multiple in Gary.

Have you or your fellow lawmakers been looking into any specific locations already been focusing more on, as you say, the framework for helping to build a new stadium.

>> There are some specific locations targeted when you look at the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, which is pretty close to the state line.

There are also 3 locations in Gary.

One is near what's now hardrock.

There will be a convention center there.

So there's room for a stadium there.

The Miller Beach area, which is on the lakefront and near the Gary Airport.

So those other predominant 4 locations were targeting.

>> And what if you heard from constituents either yours or or other Indiana residents about the possibility of bear stadium in Indiana.

>> It's a lot of excitement at the state house and I'm going to say almost every day I'm asked about it here when I'm at home.

You know, when we're back for the weekend, whether it's family, whether it's friends, whether I'm at the gym, people are excited about the opportunity of the bears coming in.

You know, if you're you know this, obviously that when you look at the Chicago Gary Hammond, where I live in represent, we watched Chicago television.

So people are bears.

Bulls socks.

Well, I Co's Blackhawks, cetera, fans because that's what we see.

And that's what we're close to.

So a lot of excitement about this.

>> You know, here in Illinois are sports finance authorities to lows more than 500 million dollars in principal and interest on the soldier field renovations from back in.

'03, as well as 50 million dollars on the Sox ballpark.

That opened in 91.

Are you concerned about those sorts of potential financial obligations for Indiana taxpayers when it comes to a new stadium?

>> You know, the reality is Indiana sports to things like this very well.

When you look at the Pacers, you look at the coat.

You look at the speedway, we're very good at figuring out a good financial plan that does not hurt the taxpayer.

So those conversations are happening.

That work will continue so that we can devise the best option for the bears come over and make sure that taxpayers don't take a big hit.

>> You know, in for a lot of Illinois lawmakers who have been somewhat more lukewarm about than you and your colleagues there saying, you know, Bear Stadium isn't necessarily a top priority that they're focusing more on affordability rather than you know, 30 Lee well off franchise like the Bears.

What do you make of that argument from your colleagues over here?

>> You that argument has helped Indiana has a very good climate for business.

We have been working on drawing more into northwest Indiana bill.

I authored they became law last year created the sports Commission.

So this fits in our wheelhouse.

When you look at the governor, you look at the House, you look at the Senate doesn't matter if your RD, there's so much excitement about this in Indiana.

And so nothing against Illinois.

I do obviously like what's going on on the other side, the state line.

I love Chicago.

But they're not as interested in keeping the Bears, we definitely are interested in having them come over to northwest Indiana.

Well, and it feels like you talk about that excitement, you know, with the governor with your colleagues in the General Assembly, this feels like something that's moved fairly quickly.

You know, not that long ago the Bears were all in on Arlington Heights.

>> course, there's been a great deal of back and forth about the stadium citing here.

it feels as though you and your colleagues in Indiana were ready to move fairly quickly on this.

Is that fair to say?

>> Yeah, that's fair to say that Indiana.

Again, we're have a great business climate.

We have a great interest in professional sports.

We've been targeting northwest Indiana for economic development.

There's a whole plan and thought on how we build up northwest Indiana.

So we're very excited about this opportunity and looking forward to how it continues as we continue throughout the rest of session.

>> You know, the Bears came out in support of this measure when it was initially introduced.

We also saw NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell touring Indiana.

Have you and your colleagues been in direct contact with the Bears with the NFL itself?

>> Yeah, there's been a lot of conversation going beyond.

You know, that's those are things that are happening obviously involved in this in one of the things I'm glad you pointed out is that the NFL commissioner came to northwest Indiana.

He's a little busy.

So the fact that he actually put feet on the ground in northwest Indiana, looking at the sites we've discussed.

That means a lot.

And so we're you know, we're continuing this conversation, continue to work on this.

We have Senate Bill 27, which is connected to bringing the Bears over.

creates the northwest Indiana Stadium Authority.

So we're continuing this process and we're working to get this done.

>> And do you expect that bill authorizing the authority to pass before you journey just a few weeks?

Well, I mean, yeah, that, you know, you just pointed out, we're going to be done in a few weeks.

This is a short session for us.

>> It's moving.

It's been it's already passed out of the Senate.

It's over with us in the House.

It's been assigned to ways and means which is the committee.

I'm on.

So we're expecting and hoping for it to be on the calendar soon so that we can discuss it in continue to move it through the process.

On the House side.

>> And should this bill pass and be signed into law?

Do you have any sense of how long it might take for an actual stadium deal to come together?

>> I'm going to presume that's going to happen fast as well.

Because again, that's how we work things here in Indiana.

We want to get things done as soon as possible.

Let's get locked in and let's get moving so we can start in terms of locking in the location, start construction.

Obviously all the planning that goes along with the stadium and some excuse that will be involved in it as well.

So a very big project in the sooner we start, the better.

>> Yeah, I would imagine you're looking at not just the stadium itself, but perhaps what the larger areas going to look like.

Some infrastructure, some other development.

Is that accurate?

>> Yeah, that's accurate.

And wherever site, whatever site is that shows and they'll have to be some work done to it.

And then just planning out how we do a stadium in the mix used to make shoes is gonna also help in terms of drawing in other business opportunities, providing House housing restaurants, offices, cetera.

So there's a lot of excitement about what this will mean for the growth of especially northwest Indiana, but really high would impact the entire state.

>> All right.

Well, Illinois and Indiana might be in in competition on this one, but we love our who's your neighbors all the same state Representative Earl Harris Junior.

Thank you for your time, sir.

>> Now, thanks for having me.

Appreciate it.

>> Up next, a Chicago man with epilepsy rejoins his family after a month in ICE detention.

Joint Hernandez has the details of that reunion.

After a month in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a Chicago father of 3 is now back home as he battled epilepsy.

His wife never stopped advocating for him.

Reporter join Hernandez first brought us this family's fight to be together last month.

And today we witnessed their reunion.

>> The street embrace followed by a deep breath.

Acevedo debate sits in the kitchen of his home at last one thing that will pay the money go the not even up until the double to nab nice for the Beatles wife.

It's a moment she's been waiting for weeks.

>> we're looking at you.

They've been in the convent that wants to that.

can I get that going?

>> Call me by Coleman.

Young.

>> On Friday, the long-awaited news arrived that will ultimately Lina's habeas corpus petition had been granted in a bond was set by Monday night.

The family's case worker and his wife drove to Indiana for a reunion.

>> They often did a So no one would than what enough.

>> After a month apart, the bait on his wife reunited at a restaurant near the detention facility.

>> Yang of voting began.

I would McCain has to have you Senate.

I don't them coming on.

And then they have you really thought point That help came from a team of attorneys collaborating to file a petition.

>> Along with the community that rallied behind his story.

>> I can't tell you how many people came forward to help this family and so many different ways.

There's hundreds of people who responded to group messages and said I can do this.

I can bring a heater.

I can bring shoes.

>> Nope.

It ultimately know was detained along with his wife on December.

29th while she was released the same day.

He was not.

Instead he was transferred to the Indiana facility raising concerns about his health.

His legal team fought to get ice to administer his lifesaving seizure medication as we city is home.

Now he shares what it was like to be in custody with hundreds of other detainees.

He says he's never been arrested before.

Yeah, but Pentagon.

>> idea and that Homeowner on the Imam Ahmed overcome left.

I got on that boat, I kidded that California with an eye.

>> says there were days when he wouldn't be able to eat or sleep.

Listening to dozens of other detainees share their stories and their hopes of going home.

>> But it does have kimono dies on voting on a boat to and this county.

But still idea that you're going to do it football, that both us will buy something.

>> During our conversation, his 3 kids were at school and haven't seen him yet.

But the motion was clear as he described being away from them.

You >> Can't get on the big it up.

to you at that, I mean, You play here at corn and will come out about But I want cut.

You may have K. Coming a ticket and kick >> This is video of the reunion.

You can hear one of the boys say a The couple sought asylum in the U.S.

nearly a year ago after fleeing Venezuela.

Now with the second chance they do and his wife hope they continue to build a home in Chicago.

>> Become part of the ongoing a home, in my teeth Because at that antenna We're failing and that some of those who dying present for not into any us >> For Chicago tonight, I'm joined on this.

>> His attorney says I'll be is one of thousands of immigrants who should be eligible for bond within days of their arrest, but are instead forced into detention until they file a petition with the federal court and wait for it to be granted.

Up next here from 2 teen brothers documenting encounters with federal immigration agents.

>> Reflecting the people perspectives that make can This story is part of Chicago tonight.

Not the >> As the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown has swept across the country.

Countless people have been documenting agent's warning neighbors with whistles and car horns and uploading videos of their encounters on social media to the people who have been on the front lines are a pair of teenage brothers from the Chicago area.

It kicked off their work is so-called Ice watchers when Operation Midway Blitz began in September and the Chicago region and most recently were on the ground in Minnesota documenting operation Metro Surge.

Joining us now to talk about their work is ICE watchers are brothers.

Ben and Sam Newman.

Thank you both for being here.

We navigated.

Thank you.

Thanks for having us.

That's so cool.

It was.

So, Ben, what was the catalyst for you wanting to become a nice watch your head of this get started?

Yeah, we've always been pretty locked into the news and what's happening in the world.

And we constantly have been seeing justice.

>> And there's not really anything we could do about it as teenagers and white suburbia.

And so when we got a call from a family friend, my mom come in our room, turn my fan often woke me up and said, hey.

Our family friend has been tracking ice now for 2 weeks in Chicago.

He just called and said that they are 5 minutes from our house and arresting somebody.

And so we woke up.

We got out of that and we drove over and we relate.

But I said followed a fan of workers from an apartment building to wherever they were trying to go.

They've broken the windows and then they arrested all 15 people.

We really didn't see it happening.

But a bunch of protesters were still there.

And so we got connected to a bunch groups in the area and really just.

Getting into that connection and then getting to know people more and really seeing how it's impacting people is just further show like why we should be doing this and where you originally thinking of kind of is going to to protest to demonstrate or were you always interested in trying to document what was happening?

I was interested documenting I mean, obviously like.

>> Protesting is part of it.

But videoing and showing what's actually happening is so important.

And also we've we've seen that they don't have body cams or if they do, videos never shared.

>> So just videoing it to show the American people what's truly happening feel so important.

So even back then I was something that was thinking about, yes.

And what about for you?

Isis work important for you to do.

I think just trying to get it to stop and trying to help people.

Stay safe.

like to turn his many arrests as we can.

And if there are s to make sure the people know what's going on and they get fair trials.

>> That suit, you know, your work puts you in very close proximity to federal agents and often some potentially dangerous situations.

Let's watch a little bit of a recent traction that you had.

>> It is illegal to him.

You can eat it we're not impeding to big warning.

18 U.S.

C one 11 said you Blick yes, it does.

Yes, it For what on traffic we are not impeding.

We are following every traffic, We are keeping that is illegal.

We're following every traffic light.

We're not getting in your way.

>> We are just filming, which is our First Amendment right.

>> To Ben, what were you feeling when they confronted like They've done that before.

It's not our first but honestly, it's just it's an empty threat.

A lot of times ice can do anything to us other than.

Scary.

so a bunch of it is fear factor and fear tactics.

And that's one of the many things the same will arrest you if you keep doing because it's illegal because of 18 U.S.

C one, 11, 18 U.S.

C one 11, basically just there's other.

There's other things that go into it.

But it basically just applies if you're blocking them with your body or your vehicle or if you're physically like touching that with you about vehicle and following them, giving them space like obviously you're letting them operate under just filming what happens in documenting try to get any information.

It's totally legal under 18 USC one 11 your First Amendment right.

And so they will often quoted to say, like you're going to rest because of this.

But that's just an empty threat.

It's really it's it's not.

And it's it's not illegal in all.

Yeah.

>> You know, so trying to dissuade people from documenting agent says one of the tactics that you mentioned, Sam, what are some of the other tactics you see on the ground?

I think oftentimes, though, just scare people and so like they come in intimidate, everybody would like large guns and like.

>> Push people around.

And I think there all their tactics are just trying to escalate the situation and scare people.

like almost scare people out from documenting because they don't want people there with cameras keeping an eye on what they're doing.

Yeah.

It feels like.

I mean, Tricia McLaughlin has put out a statement saying that ICE agents are trained to use the least amount of force possible in every situation.

We don't ever see that on the ground.

It often seems like they are there to escalate.

Usually they'll have for every now and then there will be an ice agent that some full tactical gear.

Cbp agent is in CBP.

Did.

>> And they have big cameras.

And whenever you see group of ICE agents with a camera guy, you know that they're probably going to tear gas at some point and that it's almost like they're wanting it to happen.

They will.

They will be in areas and they'll be kind of caravan on the street.

>> But they'll go like 5 miles per hour and then stop every 8 to 20 feet.

Jump out, stand on their vehicle, got back in their vehicle.

Do the same thing over and over again in the case of if, you know, throwing tear gas from the 21st of January, that's that's what's happening.

And >> I'm panning the camera and you can see that there's nobody in front of them.

They could leave.

But so often it feels like that they're just their to get their own narrative.

And so we get a peek behind the curtain with our video and you see what's truly happening today.

realize protesters they cry in their faces into the ground and people are trying to a bloodied, bruised and battered yeah, it just feels like they just want to beat us to the crown and show us that we can't fight.

And as we mentioned, you know, have been documenting both Midway blitz as well as going up to Twin Cities.

>> You know, Sam, you were just a few minutes away from where Alex pretty was killed.

What was that experience like?

So that started when we heard that.

>> I said showing up in the area as we were driving to the location, it feels like 26 necklace or something like that.

And when we are like 5 to 7 minutes away, we heard that there were shots fired and we're like, what the heck, what just happened.

So we had no clue who shot like what happened.

And then we arrived on the scene and people are starting to get videos of the incident.

And we saw just like all the shots and from what we heard, people are are telling us we think the guys dead.

I shot this guy just for filming and we saw that when we go home to on videos and during that process, tear gassed everybody just for being there documenting the situation.

Yeah.

So it cannot exceed on the ground there.

Yeah, for sure.

And you know, we've heard from from Trish McLoughlin from other administration officials from supporters of there's that.

>> You know, the protesters who are out there, you're just sort of protecting are advocating for criminal some.

How do you respond to that when we see the numbers, it shows that we're not like over and over.

We're seeing like large majority of the people being detained, have no criminal record.

So.

I think you just need look at the numbers and see see what they actually are.

Yeah, when you see what's happening on the ground and you actually get to know the people who get taken and so often what we see is just be carrying on the street and then to stop at a bus stop or they'll see a black or brown person walking on the sidewalk and they jump out of their car.

They surround them and they sometimes beat them up and then put them in a car sometimes the car and then minutes to hours later, they'll just be dropped off miles away, randomly some cases they're not.

And then they still take people who are here legally.

My uncle has lost multiple people from his church who have all come here legally and have legal identification everything.

And yet one of them was just released a month after being detained in Texas with prison guard know like no regular clothes and no phone.

And they just said get back home.

And he was in Minneapolis.

And it's so common that we see them going after people who have no criminal background and I think a lot of people see the work that we're doing.

They're like you're but you're protecting pedophiles and you just want to let them run that through our streets like no, there's almost nobody.

That's a get a pro that it's it's just that we want to protect the people that we see so impacted.

We've got just about 30 seconds left.

But I want ask clearly this is something you're very passionate about.

Have your folks reacted to all this?

What parents think?

Our parents on the same page completely it's been mix of reactions from other people just with how they view it.

But I think a lot of people are very supportive and positive.

Yeah, I think they were very nervous with us getting into this.

But we've always been raised to care for people.

Embassies like closing and then a kitten feeding the poor.

So core to who we are as people and how even race that.

It didn't make sense to say no.

And we are just trying to document.

All right.

Ben and Sam Women, thank you so much for joining us.

We appreciate Thank you.

And we're back right after this.

>> And >> that's our show for this Wednesday night.

We love digging into the back story of the complicated issues facing the Chicago area.

So if you're looking for more context on things like immigration enforcement and the Berry Stadium plans, check out our e-mail newsletter, the Daily Chicago you can sign up at W T Tw Dot Com Slash newsletter and join us tomorrow night at 5, 30 10 fresh off his Grammy win for album of the Year.

Bad Bunny prepares for Super Bowl history.

Local Latinos join us to talk about his impact.

Now for all of us here in Chicago tonight, I'm Nick Lumber.

Thank you for watching.

Stay healthy and safe and have a good night.

>> Closed captioning is made possible by Robert a cliff and the ball a Chicago personal injury and wrongful death and sponsor program that offers