Just Like Mario Guevara, Journalist Arrested While Doing Her Job as Neighbors Speak Out

Violent arrest of Chicago journalist by ICE caught on video

ICE conducts raid in Chicago

WGN producer detained

A video editor and producer for Chicago’s WGN-TV was detained Friday morning during a federal immigration raid carried out by masked agents on the city’s north side.

The arrest — captured on video and widely shared across social media — showed a violent encounter that provoked outrage among residents and witnesses.

The detainee was identified as Debbie Brockman, who was later released, according to local reports.

ICE arrest of Chicago journalist sparks public outrage

In Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood. Debbie Brockman, a video editor and producer for WGN-TV, was detained by masked U.S. Border Patrol agents.

DHS and ICE stated that Brockman threw objects at a Border Patrol vehicle during the operation, leading to her arrest. pic.twitter.com/fK8xaK8Nj5

— orange (@orange4u28) October 11, 2025

The videos show Debbie Brockman being forced to the ground by two federal agents before being handcuffed and taken into a government vehicle.

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As she was restrained, a witness asked for her name. Brockman responded firmly:

“Debbie Brockman. I work for WGN. Please let them know.”

The incident took place on a public street, in full view of multiple residents recording the scene.

Witnesses began shouting at the agents, demanding they stop. Some can be heard yelling “fascists!” and ordering them to leave.

As the federal vehicle fled the scene, it crashed into a parked car, scraping the side and tearing off part of the bumper while the driver sat inside.

Authorities accuse Brockman of assaulting an agent

“You are not welcome here!” Bystanders filmed the moment Debbie Brockman, a Chicago TV station employee, was held face down on the ground and detained by Border Patrol agents. pic.twitter.com/shcCKI1guX

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) October 11, 2025

A Homeland Security official told U.S. media that Debbie Brockman was accused of assaulting a federal agent for allegedly throwing objects at a government vehicle.

However, no additional evidence or details were provided, according to The Guardian.

Witness videos did not show Brockman armed or posing any threat at the time of her arrest.

The operation took place in Lincoln Square, amid an increase in ICE raids in Chicago.

ICE agents have intensified enforcement operations under orders from President Donald Trump, as part of a broader nationwide deportation initiative.

Witnesses recount moments of fear and chaos

Local residents described the operation as terrifying.

Nancy Molden, a longtime Lincoln Square resident, told the Chicago Sun-Times that watching Debbie Brockman’s arrest was “absolutely horrible.”

“It was the most frightening thing I’ve seen in Chicago — and I’ve lived here for 20 years,” she said.

Reports suggest that agents were targeting a small group of landscape workers in the area, though that has not been officially confirmed.

Multiple witnesses also reported that a second man was detained during the same ICE operation.

In one video, that man can be seen handcuffed inside a vehicle, while agents arrested Brockman nearby. The person filming asks for his name in Spanish, but his response is unclear, and his identity has not been revealed.

ICE raids in Chicago ignite protests

The rise in ICE raids in Chicago has triggered protests across several neighborhoods.

Community organizations and residents have denounced the use of violent tactics and the presence of federal agents in residential areas.

The incident in Lincoln Square adds to a growing list of confrontations that have heightened tensions between the immigrant community and federal authorities.

As of now, it remains unclear whether formal charges will be filed against Debbie Brockman, or whether WGN-TV has issued any public statement about the arrest of its employee.