Feds Drop Charges Against Two of 'Broadview Six' Immigration Protesters

Prosecutors move to dismiss indictment against two defendants in politically charged case.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:41pm

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Federal prosecutors have abruptly moved to drop charges against two defendants in the politically charged 'Broadview Six' case, which accused a group of Democrats and other protesters of conspiring to block and damage an immigration agent's vehicle outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois in September. The U.S. Attorney's Office cited 'the interests of justice' in dismissing the indictment against Catherine Sharp and Joselyn Walsh, leaving only four other defendants remaining in the case.

Why it matters

The 'Broadview Six' case has been a high-profile criminal case stemming from last fall's 'Operation Midway Blitz' immigration enforcement actions. The dismissal of charges against two defendants raises questions about the strength of the government's case and the scope of the alleged conspiracy, with defense attorneys arguing the evidence appears to be 'constitutionally protected acts of dissent'.

The details

Federal prosecutors have moved to dismiss the indictment against Catherine Sharp, a one-time candidate for Cook County Board, and Joselyn Walsh, a part-time garden store worker and singer, 'in the interests of justice.' The motion asks the judge to dismiss the counts 'with prejudice,' meaning they cannot be refiled. If approved, only four other defendants would remain: Katherine 'Kat' Abughazaleh, a candidate in the March 17 Democratic primary; Andre Martin, Abughazaleh's deputy campaign manager; 45th Ward Democratic Committeeman Michael Rabbit; and Oak Park Trustee Brian Straw.

  • The alleged incident occurred in September 2025 outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois.
  • The charges were filed in early 2026.

The players

Catherine Sharp

A one-time candidate for Cook County Board whose charges were dropped by federal prosecutors.

Joselyn Walsh

A part-time garden store worker and singer whose charges were dropped by federal prosecutors.

Katherine 'Kat' Abughazaleh

A candidate in the March 17 Democratic primary for the 9th Congressional District seat who remains a defendant in the case.

Andre Martin

The deputy campaign manager for Abughazaleh who remains a defendant in the case.

Michael Rabbit

The 45th Ward Democratic Committeeman who remains a defendant in the case.

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What they’re saying

“As the United States Attorney's Office does in every case, the government has continued to evaluate new facts, evidence and information to ensure that the interests of justice are served.”

— William Hogan, Assistant U.S. Attorney

“We're going to take a look at everything.”

— William Hogan, Assistant U.S. Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to approve the government's motion to dismiss the indictment against Catherine Sharp and Joselyn Walsh with prejudice.

The takeaway

The dismissal of charges against two defendants in the politically charged 'Broadview Six' case raises questions about the strength of the government's case and the scope of the alleged conspiracy, with defense attorneys arguing the evidence appears to be 'constitutionally protected acts of dissent' against the administration's immigration enforcement actions.