Protesters File Defamation Lawsuit Against Media Figure Benny Johnson

On October 31, 2025, demonstrators gathered in a designated ‘free speech zone’ near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing and detention facility in Broadview, Illinois. Their aim was to voice their concerns about federal policies affecting immigration. Notably, images from the protest have since become central to a lawsuit involving a prominent media figure.

Pro-Trump personality Benny Johnson faces a legal challenge for allegedly defaming protesters by inaccurately labeling them as ‘left-wing terrorists.’ The incident, which sparked the lawsuit, occurred when Johnson shared a video depicting protesters, including Kyle Frankovich, outside an ICE facility in October of the previous year. In the video, Johnson accused the demonstrators of assaulting ICE officers, a claim contradicted by the lawsuit filed by Frankovich and fellow protester Maureen Foody.

Frankovich, a data scientist employed at Harvard University, was present to observe and record ICE agents’ activities. Despite remaining in the designated area, he was forcibly detained, zip-tied, and later released without charges. Images showing him restrained were subsequently used in ICE recruitment materials. Foody, a court reporter who was also detained, shared similar experiences.

Both plaintiffs have expressed fear of personal and professional repercussions stemming from the allegations, particularly due to the wide dissemination of Johnson’s content, which was broadcasted by Fox News and has reached millions via social media. In light of these concerns, Frankovich has taken measures such as privatizing his social media profiles and monitoring online disclosure of his address.

‘These individuals assaulted ICE officers as they were trying to clear out the area behind us over here,’ Johnson alleged in the video.

Johnson did not respond to queries regarding the lawsuit, which highlights broader challenges to freedom of speech and media integrity. Rachel Goodman, special counsel with Protect Democracy, commented on the implications. She identified a pattern in the Trump administration’s approach to managing political opposition and media narratives, illustrating a blend of undermining neutral journalism and promoting content aligned with governmental viewpoints.

Federal officials, generally shielded from defamation lawsuits, have employed similar strategies to influence the public perception and control the informational landscape. By collaborating with political influencers like Johnson, the administration advances a narrative beneficial to its interests, Goodman suggested.