In a chilling display of intimidation, the US Justice Department has indicted Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh on federal charges for participating in a nonviolent protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility near Chicago. The six protesters are charged together as alleged members of a conspiracy to impede a US officer.
This overreaching prosecution is another example of the Trump administration's penchant for weaponizing law enforcement against perceived enemies. By framing a peaceful demonstration as a conspiracy, the government is attempting to normalize treating protesters as criminals and undermine the First Amendment right to free speech.
The charges against Abughazaleh and her fellow protesters are particularly egregious given the context of recent ICE crackdowns in Chicago and nationwide. The agency has been accused of using brutal tactics such as tear gas, pepper balls, and baton rounds against protesters, including one incident in which a protester was thrown to the ground.
The indictment highlights the dangers of this administration's brute force approach to lawfare, where the goal is not justice but rather intimidation and control. The charges are also part of a broader effort to criminalize opposition protest and silence dissenting voices.
Abughazaleh herself has spoken out about the fear that such prosecutions instill in activists, saying "There are plenty of reasons to be afraid right now, but we have to overcome that fear." Her courage in the face of such intimidation is a testament to the enduring power of resistance against tyranny.
Make no mistake: if six people engaging in nonviolent protest outside a government facility constitutes a criminal conspiracy, then all First Amendment-protected activity is at risk. The very notion that this administration would seek to prosecute protesters under RICO charges is an affront to democracy and the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution.
The Intercept will continue to cover these developments and hold accountable those who seek to undermine the democratic process through intimidation and control. Will you join us?
This overreaching prosecution is another example of the Trump administration's penchant for weaponizing law enforcement against perceived enemies. By framing a peaceful demonstration as a conspiracy, the government is attempting to normalize treating protesters as criminals and undermine the First Amendment right to free speech.
The charges against Abughazaleh and her fellow protesters are particularly egregious given the context of recent ICE crackdowns in Chicago and nationwide. The agency has been accused of using brutal tactics such as tear gas, pepper balls, and baton rounds against protesters, including one incident in which a protester was thrown to the ground.
The indictment highlights the dangers of this administration's brute force approach to lawfare, where the goal is not justice but rather intimidation and control. The charges are also part of a broader effort to criminalize opposition protest and silence dissenting voices.
Abughazaleh herself has spoken out about the fear that such prosecutions instill in activists, saying "There are plenty of reasons to be afraid right now, but we have to overcome that fear." Her courage in the face of such intimidation is a testament to the enduring power of resistance against tyranny.
Make no mistake: if six people engaging in nonviolent protest outside a government facility constitutes a criminal conspiracy, then all First Amendment-protected activity is at risk. The very notion that this administration would seek to prosecute protesters under RICO charges is an affront to democracy and the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution.
The Intercept will continue to cover these developments and hold accountable those who seek to undermine the democratic process through intimidation and control. Will you join us?
OMG I am literally shaking with rage right now! This is completely insane, a six person protest outside an ICE facility and they're charging them for conspiring against a US officer?! Are we living in some dystopian novel or what?! The thought of the government trying to silence dissenting voices and label peaceful protesters as "criminals" is just... wow. I mean, come on! We have to stand up against this kind of overreach and protect our First Amendment rights. It's like they think we're not allowed to express ourselves anymore? Newsflash: protests are a fundamental part of democracy! 
This is just heartbreaking, charging people for peacefully protesting... I feel so much frustration and anger on behalf of Kat Abughazaleh and all the protesters out there who are just trying to make their voices heard 
. We need to stand with them and support their rights, you know? 
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a nonviolent protest is NOT a conspiracy, fam! and what's with these RICO charges? that's like, super serious stuff 
we need to stand up for our rights and not let the gov push us around 
the fact that they're using brute force against protesters is just unacceptable 
if you're feeling inspired to get involved and make some noise, now's the time 
The indictment of Kat Abughazaleh and her fellow protesters sends a disturbing chill down my spine 
. It's unconscionable that the US Justice Department would resort to such overreach, framing peaceful protest as a conspiracy to impede law enforcement. This is a clear example of the Trump administration's propensity for weaponizing law enforcement against perceived dissenters 
.
. If we allow this kind of intimidation and control to flourish, our democracy will be irreparably harmed 
. We need to stand in solidarity with activists like Kat Abughazaleh who are fighting for their rights and the rights of others 
. what's next? 
. its all about silencing dissenting voices and controlling opposition 
. And for what? So they can say they've 'maintained order' in some arbitrary way? Newsflash: protesting is a fundamental right, not a crime 
it's so messed up that they're trying to silence dissenting voices by framing peaceful protests as conspiracies 
the fact that Abughazaleh is being targeted specifically because she spoke out about her fears is just disturbing 
. We need more people like her who aren't afraid to speak truth to power 
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This is basically saying that if you don't agree with the administration, you're a threat to national security. Newsflash: protesting is how we hold our leaders accountable! We need more not less freedom of speech, not less. The fact that they're using RICO charges is absurd... have we been watching too much law enforcement procedural?