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.

In a video posted by his mother, Plybon described the traumatic experience, saying, "For those of you who don't know, I was in Chicago visiting my son, and he was kidnapped by Border Patrol in front of my eyes." She added that the incident has left her fearful of going out, as she does not want to "encounter the SUV, the screams, the crying and the horrific things" she witnessed.

The Laugh Factory Chicago has since shared the arrest video and stated that Griffin's family is actively working to secure his release. This incident comes amid the Trump administration's deployment of National Guard troops to cities like Chicago, under the guise of maintaining law and order.