Protesters Sue Benny Johnson for Defamation Over Terrorism Allegations

On October 31, 2025, demonstrators gathered in a designated ‘free speech zone’ near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Illinois. The area was the scene of contention when Benny Johnson, a pro-Trump media figure, is accused of defaming several protesters by labeling them as ‘left-wing terrorists.’

Kyle Frankovich, a data scientist working at Harvard University, is among the plaintiffs. Before Johnson’s online posts, Frankovich had no knowledge of him. The incident in question involved a video shared by Johnson, showing Frankovich and others outside the ICE facility, claiming they assaulted officers. However, a lawsuit filed claims Johnson misrepresented the events.

Frankovich was present to record the actions of ICE agents from a specified area meant for public expression. During this time, he was reportedly thrown to the ground and taken into custody. Neither he nor his co-plaintiff Maureen Foody faced charges afterward. Notably, images of Frankovich from the scene with identifiable tattoos were later repurposed in ICE recruiting materials.

Both Frankovich and Foody express concerns about potential violent repercussions and impacts on their careers, stemming from being labeled terrorists. They report living more cautiously; Frankovich has since made his social media private and uses a Google service for monitoring the exposure of his address online.

Benny Johnson, whose content reached millions and aired on Fox News, didn’t immediately comment on the defamation claims. The videos he produced were created while he was accompanying former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino.

Rachel Goodman, a special counsel with Protect Democracy, although not associated with the lawsuit, remarked on the scenario. She indicates that the federal government’s defamation immunity could spotlight a broader Trump administration tactic. This approach reportedly involves discrediting political opposition and media. Goodman notes the administration’s strategy includes partnering with politically aligned influencers to craft narratives.