Former journalist Kat Abughazaleh, who is running for Congress in Illinois' 9th Congressional District, took part in an anti-ICE protest this morning outside the detention facility in Broadview.
According to NewsNation reporter Ali Bradley, Abughazaleh -- who an unidentified woman at the time -- was sitting on the ground blocking the exit before attempting to block an officer's vehicle.
Now: A woman protesting rushes in front of a federal officer’s vehicle leaving the Broadview facility—Agents quickly jump in and forcibly remove her. Earlier she was sitting on the ground blocking the exit. pic.twitter.com/Y9DgbBg9xf
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) September 19, 2025
She was later identified as Abughazaleh.
Democrat congressional candidate @KatAbughazaleh attempted to physically block an ICE agent's car from conducting a lawful operation, causing her to be tossed to the ground.
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 19, 2025
Impeding a federal ICE operation is a crime.pic.twitter.com/k9PEthUtBv
It is illegal to impede a federal operation. 18 U.S.C. § 111 Prohibits “forcibly assault[ing], resist[ing], oppos[ing], imped[ing], intimidat[ing], or interfer[ing]” with any person protected by § 1114 while performing official duties.
ICE officers fall under 18 U.S.C. § 1114.
Now, Abughazaleh is accusing ICE of violating her First Amendment rights.
This is what it looks like when ICE violates our First Amendment rights. pic.twitter.com/EneI3BAkPF
— Kat Abughazaleh (@KatAbughazaleh) September 19, 2025
In a reply, Abughazaleh continued, "What ICE just did to me was a violent abuse of power — and it’s still nothing compared to what they’re doing to immigrant communities. I’ve been fighting the right as a journalist and now I’m running for Congress to do the same in DC."
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She also used this as an opportunity to fundraise by including a link to her campaign website before accusing "Right-wingers" of wanting her arrested.
Right-wingers are calling for my arrest. You know why? Because they know I’m the only candidate in my race who will actually stand up to ICE and Trump.
— Kat Abughazaleh (@KatAbughazaleh) September 19, 2025
And they’re right. pic.twitter.com/zsjdbBB8jw
In an interview with CBS News Chicago, Abughazaleh admitted to obstructing ICE:
Kat Abughazaleh admits she illegally obstructed ICE at their facility multiple times on Friday.
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) September 19, 2025
Arrest her immediately and prosecute her for her numerous federal crimes.
Make a legal example out of this maniac. pic.twitter.com/MpiOKvbxjX
As one X user noted, "There is no First Amendment right to actually interfere with law enforcement."
Editor’s Note: Democrat politicians and their radical supporters will do everything they can to interfere with and threaten ICE agents enforcing our immigration laws.
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