Kat Abughazaleh, a Democratic Illinois congressional candidate, has been indicted by the federal government in connection with protests at the Broadview ICE facility. The indictment alleges that Abughazaleh, along with five others—Michael Rabbitt, Catherine Sharp, Andre Martin, Brian Straw, and Joselyn Walsh—conspired to impede a federal law enforcement officer during a protest on September 26. The group is accused of surrounding a government vehicle driven by an ICE agent, attempting to hinder its movement by banging on the vehicle, scratching it, and breaking its windows and mirrors. Abughazaleh responded to the charges on social media, calling it a political prosecution aimed at silencing dissent and criminalizing protest, which she views as protected under the First Amendment. She has been active protesting ICE’s aggressive tactics in Chicago, including being forcibly thrown to the ground and hit with a baton during protests. Abughazaleh announced her campaign to primary incumbent Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who is retiring, and has gained significant support among local residents opposing ICE’s actions. The indictment follows a pattern of federal authorities targeting activists and political candidates protesting immigration enforcement policies, with similar cases involving other Democrats and activists. The charges stem from an incident where the group allegedly surrounded and damaged a federal vehicle near the Broadview ICE facility, attempting to obstruct federal officers’ duties. Abughazaleh’s indictment is seen by her and supporters as part of broader efforts to suppress protests and dissent against immigration policies and federal law enforcement tactics.