CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh has been indicted along with five others for allegedly blocking vehicles during protests outside a federal immigration enforcement building in suburban Chicago, according to court documents. The indictment, filed by a special grand jury last week, accuses Abughazaleh of interfering with federal agents outside the immigration processing center.
Abughazaleh criticized the indictment as politically motivated in a video shared on BlueSky, claiming, “This is a political prosecution and a gross attempt to silence dissent, a right protected under the First Amendment.” The candidate further alleged that this case represents an effort by the Trump administration to criminalize protests and retaliate against opposition.
The protests have been ongoing, voicing opposition to immigration enforcement actions that have resulted in more than 1,800 arrests and numerous complaints of excessive force. Recently, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis ordered Greg Bovino, who heads Border Patrol operations in Chicago, to provide daily updates on enforcement activities, a move aimed at increasing oversight of operations following escalating tensions.
Federal prosecutors allege that Abughazaleh and others deliberately tried to prevent a federal agent’s vehicle from entering the facility during a protest on September 26, with reported actions such as banging on the car and scratching 'PIG' on its surface. According to the indictment, Abughazaleh blocked the vehicle’s path and even placed her hands on its hood, forcing the agent to drive at a slow speed to avoid injury.
The other individuals named in the indictment include a candidate for the Cook County Board, a Democratic ward committeeman, and a trustee from Oak Park. Abughazaleh is currently campaigning to fill the seat of retiring U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in a crowded Democratic primary.
As the immigration crackdown remains a contentious issue among Democratic candidates in Illinois, many have participated in similar demonstrations outside the Broadview federal facility. Abughazaleh highlighted the disturbing methods said to be utilized by ICE agents against protesters, stating, 'ICE has hit, dragged, thrown, shot with pepper balls, and tear-gassed hundreds of protesters,' as participants voiced their opposition to aggressive immigration policies.
Abughazaleh criticized the indictment as politically motivated in a video shared on BlueSky, claiming, “This is a political prosecution and a gross attempt to silence dissent, a right protected under the First Amendment.” The candidate further alleged that this case represents an effort by the Trump administration to criminalize protests and retaliate against opposition.
The protests have been ongoing, voicing opposition to immigration enforcement actions that have resulted in more than 1,800 arrests and numerous complaints of excessive force. Recently, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis ordered Greg Bovino, who heads Border Patrol operations in Chicago, to provide daily updates on enforcement activities, a move aimed at increasing oversight of operations following escalating tensions.
Federal prosecutors allege that Abughazaleh and others deliberately tried to prevent a federal agent’s vehicle from entering the facility during a protest on September 26, with reported actions such as banging on the car and scratching 'PIG' on its surface. According to the indictment, Abughazaleh blocked the vehicle’s path and even placed her hands on its hood, forcing the agent to drive at a slow speed to avoid injury.
The other individuals named in the indictment include a candidate for the Cook County Board, a Democratic ward committeeman, and a trustee from Oak Park. Abughazaleh is currently campaigning to fill the seat of retiring U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in a crowded Democratic primary.
As the immigration crackdown remains a contentious issue among Democratic candidates in Illinois, many have participated in similar demonstrations outside the Broadview federal facility. Abughazaleh highlighted the disturbing methods said to be utilized by ICE agents against protesters, stating, 'ICE has hit, dragged, thrown, shot with pepper balls, and tear-gassed hundreds of protesters,' as participants voiced their opposition to aggressive immigration policies.
