Chicago TV news producer arrested for attacking law enforcement during ICE operation: DHS

Footage showed producer Debbie Brockman face down on the ground as agents handcuffed her. While being restrained, she told a bystander recording the incident, “I work for WGN. Let them know.” Another video showed her being placed into a federal vehicle and taken away.

After backlash over the arrest circulated online, Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary of public affairs Tricia McLaughlin stated that Brockman was arrested for “throwing objects at law enforcement.”

WGN said Brockman was released from federal custody Friday afternoon and that no charges have been filed. The outlet said it is searching for video showing the moment leading up to Brockman’s arrest.

“US border patrol was conducting immigration enforcement operations and when several violent agitators used their vehicles to block in agents in an effort to impede and assault federal officers,” McLaughlin said in a statement sent to news outlets. “In fear of public safety and of law enforcement, officers used their service vehicle to strike a suspect’s vehicle and create an opening. As agents were driving, Deborah Brockman, a US citizen, threw objects at border patrol’s car, and she was placed under arrest for assault on a federal law enforcement officer.”

The arrest occurred in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, where immigration agents were conducting operations to detain individuals in the country illegally. In another video, a man was also seen being handcuffed nearby.

The incident came one day after a Chicago federal judge issued a temporary restraining order barring federal agencies from using forceful tactics against journalists covering protests unless there is probable cause that they have committed a crime.