ICE raid sparks pandemonium as cops batter agitators blocking bridge
Share and Follow

Complete mayhem broke out when an anti-ICE protest devolved into violent clashes on an interstate bridge between Kentucky and Ohio.

Numerous protesters were apprehended, and a police officer was put on administrative leave following a tumultuous demonstration against the immigration detention of former hospital chaplain Ayman Soliman.

The demonstrators blocked the Roebling Bridge that carries traffic between Ohio and Kentucky.

Roughly 100 demonstrators made their way across the bridge from the Ohio side, where they were confronted by around 50 officers from Covington, Kentucky, as reported by Cincinnati.com.

Shocking footage showed one officer walloping a protester with violent punches as police wrestled the man to the ground.

Covington Police Chief Brian Valenti claimed the protester, Brandon Hill, had tried to disarm an officer carrying a pepper ball gun.

However, Hill, who was left covered in scratches and bruises and with his arm in a sling, insisted he was just trying not to get shot.

“It’s all very traumatic, and I’m still trying to recover from this, honestly,” Hill shared with WCPO. “If anything like that happened, it’s because a random gun was pointed in my face.”

Covington police placed the officer who arrested Hill on administrative duty with pay while the investigation is ongoing.

Shocking footage showed one officer punching a protester several times as police wrestled him to the ground

Shocking footage showed one officer punching a protester several times as police wrestled him to the ground

Protester Brandon Hill was left covered in scratches and bruises and with his arm in a sling after a police officer hit him

Protester Brandon Hill was left covered in scratches and bruises and with his arm in a sling after a police officer hit him

Dozens were arrested, and one cop was placed on administrative duty after violent clashes broke out during an anti-ICE protest on an interstate bridge

Dozens were arrested, and one cop was placed on administrative duty after violent clashes broke out during an anti-ICE protest on an interstate bridge

Body camera footage from the unidentified officer showed him chasing Hill as he ran along the sidewalk before the cop grabbed him near the ledge of the bridge.

Hill can be heard on other officers’ body cams yelling ‘ow’ and ‘stop’ as he got hit in the head.

The officer’s use-of-force report attempted to explain why the violent action was taken against the unarmed protester.

‘[Hill] continued to physically resist, actively concealing his hands,’ it reads. 

‘Fearing that [he] might be attempting to access a weapon, and that the surrounding crowd opposed a threat to my safety, I delivered additional closed fist strikes.’

Another video from the protest showed people wearing neon-colored vests pushing against a black SUV on the bridge.

Police arrested 15 people during the protest, including two journalists, after police said they had refused to comply with orders to disperse.

Covington police said in a statement that officers who initially attempted to talk with the protest’s organizer were threatened and met with hostility.

‘While the department supports the public’s right to peaceful assembly and expression, threatening officers and blocking critical infrastructure, such as a major bridge, presents a danger to all involved,’ the police said.

Among the charges filed against those arrested were rioting, failing to disperse, obstructing emergency responders, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Hill can be heard on other officers' body cams yelling 'ow' and 'stop' as he got hit in the head

Hill can be heard on other officers’ body cams yelling ‘ow’ and ‘stop’ as he got hit in the head

Hill, who was left covered in scratches and bruises and with his arm in a sling, insisted he was just trying not to get shot

Hill, who was left covered in scratches and bruises and with his arm in a sling, insisted he was just trying not to get shot

Reporter Madeline Fening and photo intern Lucas Griffith were charged with felony rioting and several other charges, said Ashley Moor, the editor in chief of CityBeat.

A judge on Friday set a $2,500 bond for each of those arrested.

The arrests happened during a protest in support of Ayman Soliman, 51, an Egyptian immigrant who worked as a chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

He was detained last week after he showed up for a routine check-in with ICE officials at their office near Cincinnati.

According to his lawyers, he was granted asylum in 2018 based on past persecution for his work as a journalist in Egypt during the Arab Spring uprising. 

His lawyers say he was jailed and tortured for reporting on the intense political conflict. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Antifa members indicted in Texas ICE facility riot, attempted murder of officer

Texas ICE Facility Riot Leads to Indictment of Antifa Members on Attempted Murder Charges

Nine individuals associated with an Antifa group were indicted on Friday, and…
Here's when full November SNAP benefits will be available to Georgia recipients

Find Out the Release Dates for November SNAP Benefits in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Human Services has announced an update regarding the…
Trump rages at 'weak Republicans' over Epstein whiplash

Trump Criticizes Fellow Republicans Amid Epstein Controversy

Donald Trump has called on Pam Bondi to launch an investigation into…
Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, man allegedly helped by Milwaukee judge Hannah Dugan, is deported, Department of Homeland Security says

Milwaukee Judge Allegedly Aided Man Before Deportation, Says Homeland Security

An immigrant recently deported by U.S. authorities had previously been arrested after…
21 gang members arrested in massive North Texas crime crackdown, FBI says

FBI Announces Arrest of 21 Gang Members in Sweeping Crime Crackdown Across North Texas

Authorities in Texas have apprehended over 20 members of the Kiccdoe gang,…
‘One Battle After Another’ Toasts Benicio del Toro’s Great Year With A Few Small Beers

Benicio del Toro Celebrates a Stellar Year with a Toast of Miniature Brews

As I wandered the streets of Brooklyn, guiding my child through the…
Epstein emails reveal he tried to weasel his way into Trump's orbit

Leaked Epstein Emails Uncover Attempts to Forge Ties with Trump

Newly unveiled emails reveal that Jeffrey Epstein requested a photo of a…
Legal group accuses Virginia public school district of felony after hosting Dem political rally for free

Legal Organization Charges Virginia School District with Felony Over Hosting Democratic Rally at No Cost

A legal organization focused on public interest and nonpartisan litigation is urging…