Rising Progressive Star Faces Federal Crackdown at Chicago Protest
Kat Abughazaleh, the outspoken journalist and Democratic congressional candidate for Illinois’s 9th District, found herself at the center of a dramatic confrontation with federal agents this week. During a protest outside an ICE facility near Chicago, Abughazaleh was reportedly thrown to the ground twice by ICE agents—a moment that’s quickly become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over free speech and immigrant rights.
“I wasn’t surprised, and that’s part of why we’re here,” Abughazaleh told the Chicago Sun-Times in a phone interview. “Everyone here is at least a little bit scared, but mostly I’m angry and we need to get the facility shut down.” Her comments reflect a growing frustration among activists who say federal authorities are increasingly aggressive in their response to peaceful demonstrations.
Social Media Firebrand Turned Political Contender
Abughazaleh, known to her followers as “Kat Abu,” first rose to prominence as a sharp critic of Fox News and right-wing media while working at Media Matters for America. With nearly half a million followers across TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, she’s leveraged her digital presence to amplify progressive causes and challenge mainstream narratives.
In March 2025, Abughazaleh announced her campaign for Congress, positioning herself as a champion for working people and a fierce opponent of Donald Trump’s policies. Her campaign website makes it clear: “Democrats need to do more to stop Trump and fight for working people”.
DNC Drama and Uncompromising Advocacy
Abughazaleh’s activism hasn’t been limited to the campaign trail. At the Democratic National Convention in August 2024, she participated in an Uncommitted sit-in and publicly criticized party leaders for their lackluster response to the Gaza crisis. “Honestly, I was shocked and appalled at how little Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech addressed Gaza and Palestinian concerns,” she said, later calling Democratic leaders’ messaging “not just wrong but dumb”.
Her willingness to challenge party orthodoxy has made her a favorite among younger, progressive voters—and a target for critics. After incumbent Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced her retirement, Abughazaleh praised Schakowsky’s support for Palestinian rights but quickly found herself in a crowded field of twelve candidates, including State Senator Laura Fine and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss.
Facing Threats and Smears on the Campaign Trail
The campaign has not been without controversy. Abughazaleh has faced vandalism at her campaign office and accusations from a Republican rival of supporting Hezbollah—claims she has forcefully denied. “I am a Palestinian person and I do not want senseless acts of terror committed in my name,” she said after condemning recent violence in Washington, D.C., and Boulder.
To protect herself and her staff, Abughazaleh has hired private security, underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding her candidacy.
What’s Next for Kat Abughazaleh?
A mid-June poll showed Abughazaleh in second place among likely Democratic voters, trailing Biss by seven points. With her uncompromising stance on progressive issues and her ability to mobilize supporters online, she remains a formidable contender in the race.
As the campaign heats up, Abughazaleh’s clash with ICE agents is likely to galvanize her base and draw national attention to the intersection of activism, free speech, and immigrant rights. Whether she can turn this momentum into a victory at the ballot box remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Kat Abughazaleh is not backing down.
Sources
1. 'What It Looks Like When ICE Violates' First Amendment
2. Kat Abughazaleh - Wikipedia
3. Kat for Congress | Kat Abughazaleh for Illinois' Ninth District
4. The New Republic
5. Abby Martin, Francesca Fiorentini, and Kat Abughazaleh respond to ...
