University of Chicago comparative human development professor Eman Abdelhadi was arrested by the Illinois State Police (ISP) on October 3 during a protest outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Illinois, the Maroon confirmed.
According to the Associated Press, protestors raised concerns about escalating ICE enforcement and inhumane conditions including overcrowding and lack of access to food, water, and medical care, while also contesting the use of chemical agents against demonstrators.
Abdelhadi has been charged with aggravated battery to a police officer and resisting and obstruction of peace, according to an ISP public information officer, though the events leading up to her arrest are currently unknown.
Abdelhadi could not immediately be reached for comment.
Posts on X and Bluesky show she was present at the demonstration. One post on X that has since been deleted stated she was placed in a Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) van following her arrest and “hasn’t been read her rights.” Bluesky accounts reported heavy police presence, barricades, and protestors being tackled or pushed back. ICE, meanwhile, has characterized demonstrators at the Broadview facility as activists defending convicted criminals.
CCSO directed the Maroon to other law enforcement agencies present at the protest when asked for information about Abdelhadi’s arrest.
Law enforcement presence at Broadview was significant, with ISP, CCSO, and federal agents responding as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino visited the site.
The Broadview ICE facility has been the focus of protests against deportation practices, with recurring protests led by groups such as Organized Communities Against Deportations, Jewish Voice for Peace Chicago, and RAICES.
In recent weeks, demonstrations there have intensified amid allegations of excessive force by federal agents, including the use of tear gas and pepper balls against protestors and journalists, according to reports from Block Club Chicago. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that chemical agents were not used at the Friday demonstration.
These accounts have not been independently verified.
Cook County officials have confirmed Abdelhadi was discharged from custody on October 4. Her next court date is scheduled for this week.
The University of Chicago has not yet responded to requests for comment.
This is a developing story.
Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon contributed reporting.
