ICE Officer Charged with Assaulting Immigrant Rights Activist Near Chicago
An off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer has been charged with assaulting an immigrant rights activist in Brookfield, Illinois. The incident occurred at a gas station on December 27, where Robert Held, 68, claims he was attacked by Officer Adam Saracco.
Details of the Assault
Held recorded an interaction when he noticed Saracco at a gas station after following him from the Broadview ICE facility. He alleges that Saracco approached him with increasing aggression, leading to an altercation where Saracco threw him to the ground and attempted to seize his phone.
During the struggle, Held remarked, “Calm down, you need to deescalate,” before witnesses began honking in response to the situation. Eventually, Saracco released Held. The Brookfield Police Department later charged Saracco with a misdemeanor of battery following an investigation.
Legal Proceedings
- Charges were filed on January 12, 2023.
- Saracco’s first court appearance is scheduled for early March.
The Cook County State’s Attorney, Eileen O’Neill Burke, indicated that the case had been assessed for possible felony charges but was deemed more suitable for misdemeanor prosecution. Held expressed relief that charges were filed, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Background on Robert Held
Held has been active in protesting against aggressive immigration policies in the Chicago area, often sharing his experiences on social media. He previously faced detention at the same ICE facility while protesting, highlighting his commitment to immigrant rights.
Allegations Against Saracco
Adam Saracco has been involved in several lawsuits, all of which were dismissed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Previously, he faced a claim from an immigrant, James Chesire, who accused Saracco and fellow officers of a violent and racially charged attack at an ICE facility.
ICE Operations and Accountability Concerns
The incident contributes to ongoing scrutiny of ICE operations in the region. Following the recent fatal shooting of Renee Macklin Good by an ICE officer, O’Neill Burke’s office criticized the agency’s actions, citing unintended consequences for community relations.
ICE operations have historically resulted in widespread protests and allegations of excessive force, particularly in urban areas. The situation surrounding the incident in Brookfield reflects a growing concern regarding the relationship between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
