January 1, U of Chicago Professor Faces Felony Charges After Protest

Wyatt’s Take

• A university professor joined protests against ICE in Chicago.
• She is charged with felonies for allegedly spitting on a state trooper and resisting arrest.
• The case highlights rising tensions at the border and in our communities.

Eman Abdelhadi, a University of Chicago assistant professor, was arrested near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Illinois, last Friday. Prosecutors say she “knowingly and intentionally” spat at an Illinois State Police trooper during the demonstration.

Abdelhadi, 36, now faces two felony counts of aggravated battery to a government employee and two misdemeanors for resisting and obstructing the police. According to court records, she allegedly refused an order to disperse and pulled her arm away while being handcuffed.

The protest at the Broadview ICE center has been ongoing for four weeks. Abdelhadi, a Palestinian-American who has spoken out against ICE policies, has taught at the university since 2019. She chose not to comment to reporters about her arrest.

The sheriff’s office states she was released from custody after her court appearance and is barred from unlawful contact with the Broadview facility as part of her release terms. On social media, Abdelhadi thanked her supporters and wrote: “Thank you so much everyone for the messages of love and support. I feel fortified by your presence in my life and in the world. I keep thinking about all our neighbors and siblings – hundreds in Chicago alone – who’ve been detained into the unknown of horrendous facilities. We owe them resistance.”

The case is drawing attention as Americans debate law, order, and who gets to protest where in our own towns.

Wyatt Matters

This story is about respect for the law and the tough choices facing communities. Folks in Middle America know we all need safe borders and peaceful streets, but emotions today run high as these issues hit close to home.

Full story here