Feds Deny White House Influence in Broadview Protest Conspiracy Charges

A federal judge sided with prosecutors, finding no evidence of politically motivated charges against four protesters.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:33pm

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A photorealistic painting of a government vehicle parked outside a nondescript government building, with the vehicle bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease.A federal judge's ruling denying claims of political interference in the prosecution of protesters outside the Broadview immigration facility raises ongoing concerns about the independence of the Justice Department.Chicago Today

Federal prosecutors have denied that conspiracy charges brought against four protesters who rallied outside the Broadview immigration facility were politically motivated or influenced by the White House. A federal judge ruled that there was no evidence the U.S. Attorney's Office selectively prosecuted the defendants based on their political ideologies or affiliations.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about the potential for political interference in federal prosecutions, especially given the Trump administration's history of alleged attempts to influence the Department of Justice. The judge's ruling rejects the defense's claims of selective prosecution, but the trial is still scheduled to begin in May.

The details

In October, the government originally charged six people at a September rally outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview with conspiring to disrupt federal agent activity. Charges have since been dropped against two of the defendants. The remaining four protesters have asked the judge to dismiss the charges against them as well.

  • The September rally took place outside the Broadview immigration facility.
  • In October, the government charged six protesters with conspiracy.
  • In March, charges were dropped against two of the original six defendants.
  • A trial for the remaining four defendants is scheduled to begin on May 26.

The players

William Hogan

An Assistant U.S. Attorney who called accusations of outside influence in the case 'reckless' and 'completely false'.

April Perry

The U.S. District Judge who largely denied the defendants' motion to turn over communications with the White House, finding no evidence of politically motivated charges.

Cat Sharp

The chief of staff for Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) who was running for Cook County Board before suspending her campaign due to the charges.

Jocelyn Walsh

A musician who frequented Broadview to speak out against injustice through music.

Kat Abughazaleh

One of 19 Democrats who ran to succeed Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois' 9th Congressional District, coming in second in last month's primary election.

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What they’re saying

“Such assumptions are the product of fevered paranoia and delusional speculation, not to mention grossly disingenuous and thoroughly irresponsible.”

— William Hogan, Assistant U.S. Attorney

“It is well-documented that President [Donald] Trump and his administration, without precedent, have repeatedly and openly taken steps to improper bend the Department of Justice toward his personal and political interests.”

— Defense attorneys

What’s next

A trial for the remaining four defendants is scheduled to begin on May 26.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about potential political interference in federal prosecutions, even as the judge found no evidence of selective prosecution based on the defendants' political views. The trial will likely continue to draw scrutiny as it moves forward.