Six people charged with conspiring to interfere with a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent at the Broadview ICE facility have plead not guilty.
The indictment against the 'Broadview Six' alleges they surrounded a government vehicle, “with the intent to hinder and impede” a federal agent from proceeding to the west suburban processing facility back in September.
Among those charged is Katherine “Kat” Abughazaleh, who is running to represent Illinois’ 9th Congressional District.
"I have been charged with conspiracy for protesting with others," Abughazaleh told a crowd at Federal Plaza, "But let's be clear - Expressing your first amendment right is not a conspiracy and dissent is not a crime."
Indicted last month alongside Abughazaleh were Cook County Board candidate Catherine “Cat” Sharp, 45th Ward Democratic committeeman Michael Rabbit, Oak Park Trustee Brian Straw, Andre Martin and Joselyn Walsh.
In court Wednesday, prosecutors did not seek to detain any of the six defendants and each were released on bonds.
"This indictment is a Trump Administration effort to falsely frame courage and solidarity from a community as a conspiracy," said Abughazaleh.
The members of the 'Broadview Six' are expected back in court next month.