Far-Left ‘Squad’ Candidate Loses Primary Race in Illinois

Abughazaleh stands accused of repeatedly standing in front of federal vehicles and interfering with ICE agents during protests outside the agency’s Broadview, Ill., detention facility. She was one of six individuals charged in connection with the demonstrations, which had continued for several weeks.

In contrast, Biss largely avoided public intraparty disputes

The indictment, which was filed on October 23, alleges that Abughazaleh “physically hindered and impeded” an agent who was “forced to drive at an extremely slow speed to avoid injuring any of the conspirators.” Abughazaleh was charged along with five other individuals involved in the riots, including two other political candidates. The Broadview ICE facility has been the site of repeated demonstrations and clashes involving far-left activists. Several Democratic candidates for the open House seat in Chicago — including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and Abughazaleh — have recorded themselves participating in protests that involved blocking ICE vehicles.

Federal officers responded with crowd-control measures such as pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets, though they were initially outnumbered until additional federal personnel and National Guard reinforcements were deployed.