Federal agents used tear gas, pepper spray, and physical force against protesters gathered Friday morning outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility in Broadview, Illinois. The incident, which escalated as demonstrators attempted to block vehicles moving in and out of the site, has drawn sharp criticism from public officials and activists — including congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh, who says she was personally thrown to the ground by officers.
Operation Midway Blitz Sparks Outrage
The protest centered on the Trump administration’s Operation Midway Blitz, a crackdown that immigration rights advocates argue unfairly targets vulnerable communities. Demonstrators assembled outside the ICE facility at 1930 Beach Street before dawn, chanting, holding signs, and forming human blockades. By mid-morning, multiple altercations had occurred between agents in full tactical gear and protesters.
Witnesses reported that agents repeatedly used pepper spray balls on the crowd and deployed tear gas, despite demonstrators claiming they remained peaceful. Among the most vocal critics on the ground was Kat Abughazaleh, who condemned the aggressive tactics as excessive and undemocratic.
Protesters Describe Violence From Federal Agents
Several protesters recounted being shoved, dragged, or hit with pepper rounds. One demonstrator said an officer unholstered his weapon during a tense standoff, while others reported being pushed onto the ground or pinned against ICE vehicles.
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, who joined protesters, called the scene “shocking violence.” He criticized the heavy-handed response, describing tear gas and pepper balls as gratuitous intimidation. Standing alongside him was Kat Abughazaleh, who not only joined chants but also endured what she described as physical assault from federal officers.
Kat Abughazaleh’s Role and Response
As both an activist and a candidate running for Illinois’ 9th congressional district, Kat Abughazaleh has long been outspoken about immigration reform and civil rights. On Friday, she said federal agents tackled her, leaving her shaken but resolute.
“This is exactly the kind of abuse of power we’ve been warning about,” Kat Abughazaleh told reporters after the confrontation. “They want to silence dissent by force, but we will not stop demanding justice.”
The presence of Kat Abughazaleh added national visibility to the protest, reinforcing how the clash was not only about immigration policy but also about broader democratic rights.
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Escalation Throughout the Morning
The first major clash occurred shortly after 6 a.m., when officers fired pepper balls into the crowd and detained several demonstrators. Later, around 8:30 a.m., agents in unmarked vehicles pushed through barricades as protesters attempted to block the exit. Witnesses described officers tossing tear gas canisters while one agent fired from the roof of the facility.
By 11 a.m., as the protest had thinned, remaining demonstrators were once again hit with pepper spray. Scott Spear, a protester, said he was shot in the mouth with a pepper round, leaving him bleeding for nearly an hour. Throughout these confrontations, Kat Abughazaleh remained a visible figure, denouncing the violence and urging the crowd to hold its ground peacefully.
Political Leaders Speak Out
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, addressing reporters at an unrelated press conference, reaffirmed the right to protest, saying: “You can’t have a democracy if people are not permitted to peacefully assemble and petition their government.”
Johnson’s remarks echoed sentiments expressed by both Biss and Kat Abughazaleh, who have framed the response in Broadview as a violation of constitutional freedoms. The heavy military-style presence, they argued, was an attempt to intimidate political opponents rather than uphold public safety.
A Pattern of Crackdowns
The Broadview clash is the latest in a series of confrontations between immigration enforcement officers and activists. Critics argue that escalating force at demonstrations signals a troubling trend. For figures like Kat Abughazaleh, the events serve as proof that current policies are designed not only to target immigrants but also to suppress those who stand with them.
Civil liberties organizations are now calling for investigations into the federal agents’ actions. The American Civil Liberties Union has pledged to review footage and testimonies, many of which feature direct accounts from Kat Abughazaleh and others who allege unlawful use of force.
The Symbolism of Kat Abughazaleh’s Stand
For supporters, Kat Abughazaleh has become emblematic of the struggle against what they view as government overreach. Her presence at the protest — both as a victim of force and as a political figure — underscores how immigration enforcement has evolved into a flashpoint for wider debates about democracy, free speech, and state power.
Despite being physically assaulted, Kat Abughazaleh vowed to continue her campaign and advocacy. “If they think intimidation works, they’re wrong,” she said. “This only makes me more determined to fight for change.”
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