A Rhode Island courtroom is the setting for a crucial hearing on federal food assistance, as states and groups challenge the Trump administration's handling of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.

Allegations over excessive use-of-force by federal immigration agents in the Chicago area during "Operation Midway Blitz" will be a key focus during a hearing Wednesday morning at Dirksen Federal Courthouse.

A federal judge criticized the Justice Department for an "indict first, investigate later" approach during a hearing for former FBI Director James Comey.

Attorneys argued that agents' use of force infringed on the plaintiffs' constitutional rights to assemble, and cover protests and demonstrations.

CHICAGO (AP) — A judge will weigh on Wednesday how to respond to allegations that federal immigration agents in the Chicago area have used excessive force, following a surge of recent court filings detailing tense encounters between agents and local residents.