Summary
A student from DePaul University in Chicago was charged after allegedly spitting on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent at O'Hare International Airport. The student, Brett Heier, faces a felony charge of aggravated battery to a peace officer, though his attorney claims the incident may have been unintentional.
Key Facts
- Brett Heier, a 20-year-old student, was charged with spitting on an ICE agent at Chicago's O’Hare Airport.
- Heier faces a charge of aggravated battery to a peace officer, which is a felony.
- Heier’s attorney argues the contact might have been accidental, suggesting the spit may have only hit the agent's shoe.
- The identification of Heier was confirmed through a photo lineup.
- Heier was arrested by Chicago police and later released after his court appearance.
- ICE reported an increase in assaults against its agents amid a heavy deportation program.
- A government shutdown affected DHS funding, impacting airport operations and prompting ICE to assist at airports.
- President Donald Trump issued an executive order for TSA officers to receive pay during the funding disruption.
