In Chicago, a car struck anti-ICE protesters, injuring one woman and sparking outrage over what seemed to be a targeted attack. The incident occurred during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in downtown Chicago, where thousands gathered to exercise their First Amendment rights. The driver who crashed through the crowd is still at large, but police have since arrested 17 protest-related suspects.
Vehicle Attack at Peaceful Protest
Heather Blair was among the protesters when a maroon sedan accelerated directly toward the Monroe Street and Wabash Avenue crowd around 6:19 p.m. on Tuesday. The vehicle struck Blair, breaking her arm and causing facial injuries before fleeing the scene in a reckless manner that endangered more lives.
Need the protestor digester 3000 😂
🔥 #BREAKING: A driver who was being held hostage by anti-ICE rioters in Chicago just DROVE THROUGH the crowd pic.twitter.com/WNv2fM8CJb
— {Matt} $XRPatriot (@matttttt187) June 11, 2025
Witnesses reported seeing the female driver, wearing a yellow tank top, among the protesters with a can of spray paint shortly before getting into her vehicle and driving through the demonstration. Overhead footage captured the terrifying moment as people dove out of the way while the driver shouted and accelerated through the packed street, creating chaos among peaceful demonstrators.
Police Response and Arrests
Chicago police confirmed that multiple arrests were made during the protest, with four individuals facing felony charges, including aggravated battery of a peace officer. An additional ten protesters were charged with misdemeanors, while two more had pending charges as authorities continue their investigation into both the protest activities and the vehicle attack.
🚨 #BREAKING: A driver who was being held hostage by anti-ICE rioters in Chicago just DROVE THROUGH the crowd
Can’t say I blame him!
Americans across the nation are getting FED UP with this BS. pic.twitter.com/54FteIPL0C
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 11, 2025
CBS Skywatch tracked the maroon vehicle as it fled the scene, driving into oncoming traffic and making dangerous maneuvers through the city streets. The car eventually broke down on State Street in the South Loop. Still, remarkably, the driver managed to restart the vehicle and continue evading capture, highlighting serious concerns about law enforcement’s ability to apprehend those who attack demonstrators.
Security Failures and Future Preparations
This disturbing incident exposes significant security failures in protecting American citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Police Department are now scrambling to prepare additional resources for public safety as more demonstrations are planned, including implementing barricades to prevent vehicles from accessing protest areas.
“The next thing I know, I’m being dragged to the sidewalk… I was feeling pain in my arm and just like ‘what happened?” – Heather Blai.r
Despite her injuries requiring treatment at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Blair stands by her decision to participate in the protest against federal immigration enforcement actions. City leaders are strategizing with the Governor’s office to prevent future incidents. At the same time, crisis consultant Phil Andrew emphasized the critical need for better coordination between protesters and law enforcement to protect citizens from similar attacks.
Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/woman-speaks-hit-by-car-chicago-anti-ice-protest/