In late September 2025, protests occurred outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Illinois, during the Trump administration's Operation Midway Blitz. On September 26, protesters allegedly surrounded an ICE vehicle, banging on its windows and pushing against it, leading to an indictment of six individuals known as the 'Broadview Six' on conspiracy charges filed on October 23, 2025. The indictment included allegations of damaging the vehicle, although no specific individuals were accused of causing the damage.
The defendants included Katherine Abughazaleh, a former congressional candidate; Andre Martin, a former deputy campaign manager; Michael Rabbitt, a Democratic Committeeman; Catherine Sharp, a former Cook County Board candidate; Joselyn Walsh, a garden store worker; and Brian Straw, an Oak Park Trustee. The case faced criticism, with defense attorneys claiming it was an attempt to silence dissent against the administration's immigration policies.
In February 2026, the lead prosecutor left the U.S. attorney's office, and subsequently, charges against two defendants were dismissed. In April, defense attorney Christopher Parente raised concerns about potential misconduct in the grand jury proceedings. On May 21, 2026, federal prosecutors dismissed all remaining charges against the defendants, concluding the case.
