Democrat Candidate Tossed Like a Rag Doll While Trying to Block ICE Operation in Illinois [WATCH]

Kat Abughazaleh, a Democratic candidate in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, was physically restrained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers this week after she attempted to interfere with an arrest operation outside an ICE processing center in Broadview.

Abughazaleh, a former journalist and Media Matters staffer, is running in a crowded Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL).

On Tuesday, she posted a video to X showing herself standing in front of an ICE vehicle as it attempted to leave the facility.

She was dressed in blue jeans and a black long-sleeved shirt.

In the footage, ICE officers are seen moving her aside as protestors and reporters surrounded the scene.

At one point, an ICE agent deployed tear gas in an effort to disperse the crowd.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“This is what it looks like when ICE violates our First Amendment rights,” Abughazaleh wrote in the caption accompanying her post.

This is what it looks like when ICE violates our First Amendment rights. pic.twitter.com/EneI3BAkPF

— Kat Abughazaleh (@KatAbughazaleh) September 19, 2025

Her actions quickly drew strong criticism. One commenter wrote, “Kat Abughazaleh admittedly obstructed ICE agents.

Make a legal example out of this criminal,” tagging U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Another referenced 18 U.S.C. § 111, a federal statute that prohibits forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers engaged in official duties.

Violations of the statute can result in a prison sentence of up to eight years.

A third critic asked, “Why would she not be arrested? We have to give these people consequences or they will continue to behave this way.”

The Western Journal first reported on the incident, which has fueled debate about the limits of protest activity and the enforcement of federal immigration law.

ICE has not issued a statement regarding whether charges will be pursued.

Abughazaleh’s campaign is one of ten in the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 9th District.

According to recent campaign finance filings, she currently holds the most cash on hand with roughly $666,000 available.

The district, located in the Chicago area, has been represented by Schakowsky for decades and is considered a safe Democratic seat.

Schakowsky announced in May that she would not run for reelection.

The incident adds to a series of confrontations between progressive politicians and federal immigration authorities.

Earlier this year, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), another member of the group often referred to as the “Squad,” was charged with assaulting a federal officer during a protest at a New Jersey immigration detention facility.

🚨BREAKING: I have obtained exclusive ICE officer body cam footage clearly showing Democrat Rep. LaMonica McIver verbally and physically assaulting federal agents in New Jersey after illegally entering an ICE detention facility.

In the video you can see indisputable evidence of… pic.twitter.com/msAQBz23oJ

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 10, 2025

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was also taken into custody at the same demonstration but later had charges dismissed.

McIver has pleaded not guilty, and her trial is scheduled for November.

For Abughazaleh, the confrontation outside Broadview may bring increased visibility in her primary race.

Whether the encounter leads to legal consequences remains unclear, but the event highlights the growing clashes between Democratic activists and ICE as federal officers continue to conduct operations across the country.