The U.S. Department of Justice dismissed all remaining misdemeanor charges against four Chicago-area anti-ICE protesters on May 21, 2026, after a federal judge found apparent prosecutorial misconduct before the grand jury.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros said the government would drop the case with prejudice, preventing refiling. U.S. District Judge April Perry cited improper prosecutorial vouching, communications with jurors outside proceedings, and redactions that obscured a prior no-bill vote.
The defendants, known as part of the Broadview Six, were accused of impeding federal agents during protests outside an immigration detention facility in Broadview, Illinois, in 2025. Felony conspiracy counts were dropped earlier in May.
Defense attorneys alleged the U.S. Attorney’s office attempted to conceal grand jury problems. Perry said trust in the Justice Department had been broken and floated possible sanctions against prosecutors.
Defendants included former congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh, Andre Martin, Brian Straw, and Michael Rabbitt. Charges stemmed from protests outside the Broadview ICE facility during Operation Midway Blitz in 2025. Two other defendants had charges dropped in March. Judge Perry said she was incredibly shocked by redactions in earlier grand jury transcripts compared with unredacted versions.
Operation Midway Blitz brought hundreds of federal agents to the Chicago area in 2025. Protesters alleged agents used excessive force during arrests near the Broadview facility. The dismissal prevents retrial but leaves open potential civil lawsuits against the government.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources:
https://dailycuratednews.substack.com/p/news-headlines-may-22-2026