Criminal investigation launched after pepper ball fired at journalist's truck

In the United States, a significant incident occurred involving a CBS News Chicago reporter, Asal Rezaei, who reported that on the morning of September 28, 2025, while approaching the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Illinois, a federal agent fired a pepper ball at her vehicle. Rezaei stated that there were no protests or any crowd present, and she was alone in her truck with her driver's side window down when the agent, identified as belonging to ICE, shot the projectile, causing chemical agents to fill her truck and severely affect her. She immediately felt a burning sensation and later vomited outside of her vehicle due to exposure to the irritants. The Broadview Police Department quickly responded to the situation by launching a criminal investigation into what they termed an “allegedly unprovoked attack” on Rezaei's truck, emphasizing that they expect full cooperation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during this inquiry. In her police report, Rezaei expressed confusion regarding why the officer targeted her, given her history of reporting from the area without incident and the lack of any active protest at the time. Broadview Police Chief Thomas Mills commented on the situation, indicating seriousness and ongoing efforts to uncover the reasons behind the officer's actions. In the days leading up to this incident, the presence of federal agents in Chicago, including the Broadview area, had already raised concerns, particularly among journalists covering protests there. Another CBS reporter, Darius Johnson, reported experiencing similar exposure to chemical agents during previous coverage of protests at the immigration facility and criticized the lack of regard for media personnel among law enforcement. Regarding recent activities, some ICE agents were also seen downtown amid shoppers and tourists, which heightened tensions and drew public scrutiny regarding federal operations in urban settings. Asal Rezaei's experience underscores a troubling concern about press freedom and safety, especially during instances of heightened law enforcement presence. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was expected to address these issues further, reflecting the broader implications of federal presence in Chicago and the treatment of journalists in the field. The outcomes of these investigations and statements from government officials may lead to changes in policies regarding the deployment of federal agents and their interactions with the media and public, emphasizing the need for accountability in such sensitive situations.