Woman arrested for driving through protesters during anti-ICE rally
- Deirdre Kemp drove a maroon sedan through a crowd at an anti-ICE protest, injuring at least one person.
- The incident occurred on June 10, 2025, outside an immigration court in downtown Chicago.
- Kemp was arrested days later and is facing serious charges, highlighting public safety concerns during protests.
In the United States, specifically Chicago, a significant incident occurred on June 10, 2025, when a woman drove a maroon sedan through a crowd of anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) protesters near an immigration court. The driver, identified as Deirdre Kemp, 30, was seen moments before the incident among the protesters holding a can of spray paint. Witnesses reported that the car accelerated towards the crowd, forcing protesters to jump out of the way, which resulted in injuries. One individual, Heather Blair, 66, was reported to have sustained injuries including a fractured arm during the incident. The immediate aftermath saw chaos as people rushed to assist the injured before calling for medical help. Shortly after driving through the crowd, Kemp fled the scene, prompting police to pursue her. The pursuit lasted more than six minutes, during which she drove recklessly, weaving through traffic and eventually stopping only when her vehicle malfunctioned on State Street in the South Loop. Following the incident, Kemp was arrested on June 19, 2025, after police charged her with multiple offenses, including aggravated reckless driving and fleeing the scene of the crime. This incident has drawn significant media attention, particularly as it occurred amid nationwide protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies and the enforcement actions by ICE. The protests in Chicago and other cities were largely peaceful, focusing on the deportation of immigrants and the treatment of individuals under immigration laws. Kemp's actions, however, have raised questions about public safety during protests and the growing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S. The Chicago police have since referred further questions about the charges against Kemp to the Cook County State's Attorney's office, indicating ongoing legal implications following this event. The historical context of such protests and the response to immigration policies form a larger narrative about societal divides and increasing activist movements across the country. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise during volatile demonstrations, bringing renewed attention to the needs for safety and accountability in such situations.