Over the weekend, CBS News Chicago reported that Asal Rezaei, a reporter for WBBM TV and member of SAG-AFTRA, was injured by a pepper ball fired at her vehicle by an ICE agent. The incident occurred as she arrived to cover a story at the ICE Facility in Broadview, Illinois. According to reports, the projectile released strong chemicals inside her car, resulting in vomiting and skin irritation. The Village of Broadview Police Department has started a criminal investigation into what happened.
SAG-AFTRA responded to the incident with a statement emphasizing the importance of press freedom: “A free press is the bedrock foundation of journalism, and attacks such as these, whether by law enforcement, in war zones, or militarized federal agents, strike at the heart of this fundamental American value. Journalists must be allowed to do their jobs of keeping the public informed, free from assault.”
The union further stated: “Unprovoked, violent attacks against journalists must never be glossed over or normalized. We condemn the use of illegal and excessive tactics and demand this incident be thoroughly and independently investigated.”
SAG-AFTRA represents about 160,000 professionals across entertainment and media fields including actors, broadcast journalists, DJs, news writers and editors. The organization advocates for strong protections for its members nationwide.
