The University of Chicago issued a statement condemning violence but declined to discuss the employment status of a faculty member arrested during protests.

Associate Professor Eman Abdelhadi faces two counts of aggravated battery to a government employee, a Class 3 felony, and two counts of resisting or obstructing peace officers, a Class A misdemeanor, Fox News reported. She was taken into custody on October 3 during demonstrations outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois.

Director of Public Affairs Gerald McSwiggan stated that safety remains a paramount concern at the institution. Violence contradicts the university's core values of free and open inquiry, dialogue, and debate, he said.

University Response and Faculty Status

The university declined to comment specifically on Abdelhadi's arrest despite multiple requests from reporters. Officials would not confirm whether she continues to teach courses at the institution.

As of Wednesday morning, her biography page remained active on the school's website. The university stated it promptly investigates safety concerns and takes action when necessary to uphold community safety.

McSwiggan emphasized that the school takes action if required to maintain the well-being of the university community. However, he provided no details about any specific measures related to Abdelhadi's case.

Legal Proceedings and Protest Activity

Court records indicate Abdelhadi requested a jury trial during her appearance in Cook County on Monday. Her attorney declined to provide any comment on the charges or the case.

Hours before her arrest, she posted images on social media showing Illinois State Police officers guarding the ICE facility. She criticized the state and Governor J.B. Pritzker for deploying state resources to protect the location.

Demonstrators and law enforcement have clashed repeatedly outside the facility for several weeks. The protests have resulted in numerous arrests and confrontations between authorities and protesters.

Defendant's Public Statements and Activism

Abdelhadi remained defiant in a post on her Bluesky account following her court appearance on Monday. She thanked supporters for their messages of love and support, saying she felt fortified by their presence.

She referenced hundreds of people detained in Chicago alone, calling them neighbors and siblings held in horrendous facilities. The professor declared that resistance is owed to those who have been detained.

The day before her arrest, Abdelhadi appeared on the far-left Truthout podcast "Movement Memos." During the interview, she delivered harsh criticism of ICE and fellow left-wing activists she deemed insufficiently committed.

Lessons to Learn

1. Know your rights at public demonstrations: Participating in protests involves exercising constitutional freedoms, but understanding the legal limits can help avoid dangerous encounters with law enforcement. Organizers and attendees should be informed about local laws and protest protocols.

2. Monitor the organizations you align with: Advocacy with controversial or radical groups may come with risks, including heightened scrutiny or potential legal ramifications. Individuals should weigh these risks carefully, especially when working for or representing public institutions.

3. Always assess the environment’s stability: Tense protest scenarios can quickly spiral into violence. Even peaceful demonstrators can become caught in confrontations or arrests. Though caution is essential, it's also important to acknowledge that crime can occur regardless of preparedness, and responsibility for violence lies with those who commit the acts — not the victims.

Why This Story Matters

This case raises urgent questions about academic accountability and the boundaries of political activism by university employees. Communities and institutions alike must navigate how to uphold free expression while also condemning unlawful conduct. It also highlights the growing public tension surrounding immigration policies and the protests they generate.

Conclusion

On Oct. 3, University of Chicago associate professor Eman Abdelhadi was arrested during an anti-ICE protest in Broadview, Illinois, and now faces two felony and two misdemeanor charges. She has remained outspoken since, expressing continued defiance online, while her university has condemned violence without confirming her teaching status. The arrest was part of a broader pattern of unrest outside federal detention facilities in the area, drawing further scrutiny to how academic institutions and local governments respond to civil disobedience and political expression.