The Justice Department has indicted a far-leftist Democratic House candidate in Illinois over her role in a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that took place in September.
Kat Abughazaleh, a former Media Matters video “journalist,” is facing several charges, including conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer and assaulting or impeding an officer as they engaged in their duties, according to Politico. The incident occurred at an ICE detention center in Broadview.
Kat Abughazaleh, a progressive Democrat running for an open House seat in Illinois, faces federal charges after attending a protest at a U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement processing center outside Chicago.
Abughazaleh, a social media influencer who recently moved to the state, was charged with conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer and assaulting or impeding an officer as they engaged in official duties at the Broadview ICE detention center.
According to the indictment, Abughazaleh was among several protesters who in September allegedly surrounded a government vehicle, banged on the hood and windows and scratched the body of the car, including etching the word “PIG” into the vehicle. The indictment also alleges the protesters broke one of the vehicle’s side mirrors and a rear windshield wiper.
Video of the encounter that day, posted by Abughazaleh, showed her and protesters placing their hands on the vehicle as the agent continued to slowly drive forward into the line of protesters, with some banging on the car.
Abughazaleh is one of the more than a dozen Democratic candidates running for Congress to fill the seat now held by Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who announced earlier this year that she won’t seek reelection in 2026.
In a statement, Abughazaleh called the charges “political prosecution” and a “gross attempt to silence dissent.”
“This case is yet another attempt by the Trump administration to criminalize protest and punish those who dare to speak up,” Abughazaleh said, adding that the charges are “unjust.”
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Video footage shows Abughazaleh refusing to move out of the way as an ICE vehicle attempted to leave the facility. She could face up to eight years in prison if she is convicted.
Abughazaleh posted a video on social media claiming she is being persecuted for "exercising our First Amendment rights" and called the indictment a "gross attempt to silence dissent."
I have been charged in a federal indictment sought by the Department of Justice.
— Kat Abughazaleh (@KatAbughazaleh) October 29, 2025
This political prosecution is an attack on all of our First Amendment rights. I’m not backing down, and we’re going to win. pic.twitter.com/szOSZa1h3z
🚨 BREAKING: MASSIVE FAFO just occurred as Illinois Democrat Congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh has been FEDERALLY INDICTED for attacking and blocking a federal vehicle outside Broadview ICE
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 29, 2025
At one riot, she was PUMMELED to the ground by an agent who was done with her BS.… pic.twitter.com/E8qKNCc4r0
Democrats have spoken out against the development, accusing the Justice Department of trying to use Abughazaleh’s indictment to send a political message. Other leftist politicians have faced prosecution for their involvement in anti-ICE protests. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) found herself in a similar situation back in June when she allegedly tried to physically stop an ICE agent from carrying out his duties.
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