Justice Department Drops Charges Against Two Defendants in Broadview ICE Protest Case (Chicago, IL) – Federal prosecutors have moved to dismiss charges against two individuals who were among six people indicted last year in connection with a protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility in Broadview.
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion Thursday to dismiss the cases against Catherine “Cat” Sharp and Joselyn Walsh, who had been charged following an October 2025 demonstration at the suburban detention facility.
Sharp welcomed the decision, saying it confirmed her belief that the case should not have been brought.
“This motion to dismiss proves what we have always known—that the indictment in this case was flawed from the outset,” Sharp said in a statement. “While I am of course elated at this outcome, ICE’s abuse of immigrants and refugees in our communities continues.”
Sharp also expressed confidence that the remaining defendants in the case would ultimately be cleared.
Walsh said the dismissal brought relief but noted the case had significantly disrupted her life over the past six months.
“While I’m relieved by the dismissal, it does not change the disruption it caused in my life,” Walsh said, adding that she also experienced what she described as violence by federal agents during the protest.
Walsh’s attorney, Brad Thomson, said the decision represents a broader victory for the right to protest.
“This dismissal is a victory for free speech and the right to dissent,” Thomson said. “Joselyn continues to stand in solidarity with her former co-defendants and others who have been charged for protesting against ICE.”
Sharp had previously been a Democratic candidate for the Cook County Board of Commissioners but withdrew from the race after the indictment in order to focus on her legal defense.
Walsh is a musician who performs with Songs for Liberation, a collective that creates music supporting social justice movements.
Sharp is represented by defense attorney Molly Armour, while Walsh is represented by Thomson and Tayleece Paul of the People’s Law Office.
Justice Department Drops Charges Against Two Defendants in Broadview ICE Protest Case
