‘Journalist’ Joins ICE Protest, Gets Taken Down by Agents in Chicago [WATCH]

Tensions between federal immigration authorities and protesters continued this week in Chicago, where a local television employee was detained after participating in a demonstration targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

The incident took place outside an ICE facility in the city, where activists gathered to oppose deportations and federal immigration enforcement actions.

Video footage from the scene showed ICE agents detaining Debbie Brockman, identified as a video editor and producer for WGN’s creative services department.

In the video, Brockman can be seen on the ground as agents move in to restrain her before escorting her to a government vehicle.

During her detention, Brockman repeatedly stated that she was a journalist.

However, according to multiple witnesses, she was not equipped with any camera gear or press credentials at the time.

Here’s what happened:@CBP agents were conducting immigration enforcement operations when several violent agitators used vehicles to block in agents to impede & assault federal officers. In fear of public & law enforcement safety, officers used their service vehicle to strike a… https://t.co/JPL7LLU7q2

— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) October 11, 2025

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Reports indicate that Brockman was later released after being questioned by authorities.

ICE has not released a statement regarding the specific details of her arrest but confirmed that its officers were conducting official operations when the incident occurred.

The agency did not comment on whether charges were filed in connection with the protest.

Sources familiar with the situation said the protest involved a group of activists who had gathered in response to an ongoing deportation operation in the area.

According to ICE officials, demonstrators used tracking apps and social media to locate enforcement actions and attempt to disrupt them by physically blocking vehicles or interfering with officers.

Witnesses at the scene reported that several protesters surrounded ICE vehicles as agents were leaving the facility.

During the confrontation, one individual attempted to block the exit of an agency van by parking an SUV directly in its path.

Video shows the ICE vehicle clipping the SUV’s front bumper while trying to leave the area. No injuries were reported, and the vehicle later cleared the scene.

ANTIFA: One of rock-throwing Debbie’s friends tried to block Border Patrol with her car, and instantly regretted it. pic.twitter.com/xswZPW2iKt

— @amuse (@amuse) October 11, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has warned in the past that obstructing or interfering with federal agents during official duties may result in arrest and prosecution.

Under federal law, individuals who impede or assault law enforcement officers can face significant penalties, regardless of occupation or media affiliation.

Brockman’s case follows a growing number of confrontations between immigration enforcement officials and activist groups in major cities.

In Chicago, demonstrations outside ICE facilities have become increasingly common, with organizers using social media to mobilize participants quickly after reports of scheduled deportations or workplace enforcement actions.

City officials have not commented on the recent incident. Chicago has maintained a “sanctuary city” designation since 1985, limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Despite that policy, ICE continues to carry out enforcement operations targeting individuals with outstanding deportation orders or criminal convictions.

Federal officials have stated that many of the individuals sought in these operations have prior arrests for violent or serious offenses, including assault, drug trafficking, and weapons violations.

ICE maintains that its enforcement priorities remain focused on individuals who pose a threat to public safety or national security.

In a statement earlier this year, ICE’s Chicago Field Office noted that agents would “continue to carry out their mission of enforcing federal immigration law without interference or obstruction.”

The agency also cautioned that individuals participating in protests at or near federal facilities should remain at a safe distance and avoid any actions that could endanger officers or impede government operations.

The recent clashes come amid broader national debates over border enforcement and immigration policy.

With ongoing federal operations and continuing protests across major cities, federal and local authorities say they are monitoring situations closely to prevent escalation while ensuring that lawful enforcement actions proceed as planned.