Protesters Sue Benny Johnson Over Broadview ICE Videos

Kyle Frankovich and Maureen Foody have sued online commentator Benny Johnson for defamation, alleging he falsely portrayed them as violent extremists who attacked federal officers during a protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Illinois. The complaint says Johnson knew the claims were false. No court has ruled on the allegations. The lawsuit concerns videos and social media posts Johnson made after the October 3, 2025, protest. Frankovich, a data scientist at Harvard University, and Foody, a contract court reporter, say they were in an area designated for protest activity and did not assault officers or commit crimes. The complaint says the pair sang, prayed, held signs and recorded federal activity. According to the complaint, Johnson described the detained protesters as left-wing terrorists arrested for attacking police and ICE officers, and said he had witnessed assaults. The plaintiffs allege those statements were false and that Johnson knew they were false. Their claims remain allegations, and the accounts of their conduct and Johnson’s knowledge have not been resolved in court.