What happened to Nathan Griffin in Chicago?

Nathan Griffin, a Chicago night manager, was arrested by federal agents in a controversial incident that involved excessive force and has sparked outrage and a legal battle.

Why was Elaine Plybon, Nathan Griffin's mother, involved in the incident?

Elaine Plybon, Nathan Griffin's mother, was briefly pinned down by the federal agents during the arrest of her son, which has added to the outrage surrounding the incident.

Home / Crime and Justice / Immigrant Arrested in Chicago Sparks Outrage and Legal Battle

Immigrant Arrested in Chicago Sparks Outrage and Legal Battle

Q: What is the potential legal outcome for Nathan Griffin?

Nathan Griffin now faces a federal assault charge that could carry an 8-year prison sentence if he is convicted.

26 Oct

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Summary

Immigrant arrested by federal agents in front of his mother
Agents used excessive force, pinning down his mother
Arrest could lead to 8-year prison sentence if convicted

Immigrant Arrested in Chicago Sparks Outrage and Legal Battle

On October 21st, 2025, federal agents in Chicago arrested a local night manager, Nathan Griffin, in a controversial incident that has sparked outrage and a legal battle. According to eyewitness accounts, the agents, dressed in camouflage, tackled Griffin to the ground and briefly pinned down his mother, Elaine Plybon, as they were attempting to detain him.

The arrest occurred outside the Laugh Factory Chicago comedy club, where Griffin was reportedly trying to intervene in an immigration operation. Bystanders could be heard shouting, "Why are you doing this? Where are you taking him?" as Griffin was handcuffed and placed in the backseat of a vehicle.

Griffin's brother-in-law has since set up a GoFundMe page to cover the legal costs, stating that Griffin was "hidden throughout the system" for around 4 hours before resurfacing in FBI custody. He now faces a federal assault charge that could carry an 8-year prison sentence if convicted.