Veteran Injured in ICE Protest Clash Eyes Lawsuit

A 70-year-old Air Force veteran, whose felony assault charge stemming from an anti-ICE protest was recently dismissed, is now contemplating a civil lawsuit regarding his treatment during the incident, he informed The Guardian. Dana Briggs, a vocal advocate against immigration raids, was initially accused of assaulting a federal officer but all charges against him have been dropped by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Charges Dismissed After Protest Incident

The legal saga began when Briggs was arrested during a demonstration against increased immigration enforcement actions near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Broadview, Illinois. Court documents from the justice department had previously alleged Briggs committed assault by “mak[ing] physical contact with an agent’s arm while the agent attempted to extend the safety perimeter” around the facility. This charge was leveled despite publicly available video footage that appeared to show masked ICE agents advancing on the elderly veteran and subsequently knocking him to the ground.

Video Evidence and Lack of Explanation

The Department of Justice’s decision to dismiss the charges against Briggs came after U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes reviewed video evidence from the agents’ body-worn cameras. This footage, which the court had permitted the government to withhold from public disclosure, ultimately led Judge Fuentes to agree to the dismissal. Andrew Boutros, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, filed the motion to drop the case but notably offered no specific explanation for the department’s change of course in an emailed response to queries from The Guardian.

The Incident Unfolds

Briggs recounted his experience of the confrontation for the first time, detailing events leading up to his arrest. Prior to being knocked over, he recalled challenging the federal agents guarding the Chicago-area ICE facility. He stated he asked them, “How do you go home at night and explain to your community and family what you are doing to other people who look like you?” His questions were met with an aggressive advance from the agents, as captured by initial video evidence.

Injuries and Detention

Following his arrest at the Broadview facility, Briggs was transported to Loyola University Medical Center. There, he received treatment for “cuts and bruises on both my forearms and wrists from being knocked down and zip tied.” He further described being handcuffed to a hospital bed during his medical examination and care, an experience that underscored the severity of his treatment.

A Veteran’s Resolve and Call for Accountability

Despite the ordeal, Briggs remains resolute in his commitment to activism. “I stood up for something I believe in and will continue to do so, until my last breath,” he affirmed. His willingness to confront federal agents and endure physical injury highlights his deep convictions regarding immigration policies and the treatment of individuals by enforcement agencies. His persistent questioning of the agents’ personal accountability reflects a broader societal debate on the ethics of such operations.

Next Steps: Pursuing Civil Action

With the felony charges now behind him, Briggs is actively exploring his legal options for a civil lawsuit. This potential legal action would seek redress for his arrest, injuries, and the overall treatment he received at the hands of federal agents. The dismissal of charges, particularly after judicial review of bodycam footage, may bolster his case as he seeks accountability for the incident.

Briggs’s journey from protester to defendant and now potential plaintiff underscores the contentious nature of immigration enforcement and the rights of citizens to protest. His determination to continue fighting for his beliefs, even after facing arrest and injury, sets the stage for a potential new chapter in his pursuit of justice.

Source: The Guardian