Demonstrators assembled in a designated “free speech zone” near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on October 31, 2025, in Broadview, Illinois. Pro-Trump media personality Benny Johnson is facing a defamation lawsuit from protesters he allegedly depicted as “left-wing terrorists” assaulting federal officers.

One of the plaintiffs, Kyle Frankovich, was unacquainted with Johnson before the podcaster posted a video showing Frankovich among other detained protesters outside the ICE facility. Johnson claimed in the video that the individuals attacked ICE officers while they cleared the area. The lawsuit, filed by Frankovich and another protester, counters that this was false.

According to the lawsuit, Frankovich was documenting the actions of ICE agents from a designated area when he was forcibly arrested. Both he and co-plaintiff Maureen Foody were released without charges. Images of Frankovich with zip-tied hands and visible tattoos were later used in ICE’s recruiting materials. Frankovich works as a data scientist at Harvard University, while Foody is a court reporter.

The complaint outlines fears of violence and career repercussions resulting from being labeled as terrorists in Johnson’s videos. Frankovich has since enhanced his personal security by privatizing social media and employing Google alerts for online exposure of his address.

Johnson, who boasts a significant social media following, broadcasted his footage on Fox News but did not respond to comments. He filmed the videos while accompanying then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino.

Rachel Goodman, special counsel with Protect Democracy, emphasized a pattern of information control used by the Trump administration. Although federal officials typically have immunity from defamation suits, the claims against Johnson highlight their approach to discredit political dissent through strategic content creation with aligned influencers.