Benny Johnson Sued for Defamation by ICE Protesters Over ‘Terrorist’ Videos

Two Illinois residents sued right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson on Friday for defamation, alleging he falsely portrayed them as violent extremists in videos watched by millions. Kyle Frankovich, a Harvard University data scientist, and Maureen Foody, a court reporter, were detained while peacefully protesting outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, last October. Johnson, embedded with Department of Homeland Security officials, claimed in his videos that they assaulted federal officers. Neither plaintiff was charged with any crime.

What Johnson’s videos claimed

Johnson filmed Frankovich and Foody lined up with zip ties behind their backs outside the Broadview detention center on October 3, 2025. In his videos posted to X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Rumble, Johnson stated: “Probably about a dozen left-wing terrorists arrested for attacking police officers and ICE officers.” He also claimed the protesters “assaulted ICE officers as they were trying to clear out the area.” Johnson was embedded with then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and then-Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino during the operation.

What actually happened that day

Frankovich and Foody were standing in a designated “free speech” zone observing and recording ICE agents when they were detained. According to the lawsuit, they “sang songs, participated in prayers, held signs, and recorded official activity.” Both were released without charges after roughly eight hours in custody and were held a half-mile from the detention facility. Neither faced criminal charges related to the protest. Frankovich told NPR he saw Johnson being filmed by civilians in reflective vests and realized “they’re filming propaganda. They’re using us as props.”

The harm to the plaintiffs

Johnson’s videos accumulated millions of views and interactions across his platforms, where he has over 10 million followers on X and YouTube combined. Frankovich said he began seeing social media posts falsely claiming he was a Chicago antifa leader, with users posting “we need to find who this person is, find out where they live, and we need to stop him.” Images of Frankovich with his hands zip-tied and distinctive tattoos visible were later used in ICE recruiting material. Both plaintiffs say they have lived with fears of violent attacks and professional consequences since being labeled terrorists.

Why this lawsuit matters

The case appears to be the first major defamation suit against a Trump administration media ally for mischaracterizing immigration protesters, according to reporting by MS NOW. Karianne Jones, a lawyer at Evergreen Legal Strategies representing the plaintiffs, said the lawsuit aims to hold accountable people who “serve as a mouthpiece for the government.” Johnson, a former BuzzFeed writer fired for plagiarism in 2014, has been given special access by the Trump administration to document federal operations and anti-ICE protests. The lawsuit describes Johnson’s content as “political combat dressed up as news.”

Final Thoughts

The lawsuit signals growing legal pushback against right-wing media figures who amplify government narratives by mischaracterizing protesters. Frankovich and Foody are seeking damages for defamation tied to Johnson’s false claims broadcast to millions. The case could set a precedent for holding influencers accountable when they knowingly spread falsehoods about ordinary citizens.

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