Federal prosecutors plan to drop federal conspiracy charges against four protesters accused of impeding immigration agents at a protest outside the Broadview immigration processing center, according to an April 29 statement from attorneys and court records.
The case has drawn attention due to the nature of the charges and the involvement of local political figures. The dropping of conspiracy charges reduces potential penalties for those involved, though misdemeanor counts remain pending.
During a Wednesday morning court hearing, prosecutors said they would soon file new documents focusing on misdemeanor charges for Kat Abughazaleh, Michael Rabbitt, Andre Martin, and Brian Straw. This was first reported by the Sun-Times. Nancy DePodesta, attorney for Rabbitt, said after the hearing: “The decision to drop the conspiracy charge was appropriate, but it’s really unfortunate what the individual defendants and their families have had to endure as a result of facing a felony criminal charge. I’m glad that the government finally got it right, but I wish that a little bit more analysis had gone in on the front end prior to bringing these charges.”
Abughazaleh commented on social media: “This case has cost myself, one of my closest friends, and four others immeasurable amounts of stress, money, and opportunity. But the federal government knew they couldn’t try this BS and had to drop the felony charge.” The trial on conspiracy charges was set for May 26 before news emerged about dropping those counts.
Originally six people were charged in connection with protests during Operation Midway Blitz last September. Prosecutors dropped all charges against Cat Sharp and Jocelyn Walsh in March. According to indictments described in court records, protesters allegedly surrounded a government vehicle outside Broadview with intent to hinder an agent’s progress; damage included scratches with graffiti and broken vehicle parts.
After two defendants’ cases were dismissed earlier this year, lawyers for Abughazaleh and others sought dismissal based on First Amendment grounds—a request denied by U.S. District Judge April Perry. Defense attorneys also requested communications between prosecutors and White House officials amid concerns over political influence; prosecutors denied any such influence.
