Introduction to the Incident

A woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a car that drove through a crowd of anti-ICE protestors nearly two weeks ago.

Details of the Arrest

According to the Chicago Police Department, 30-year-old Dierdre Kemp was charged with one felony count each of aggressive reckless driving/bodily harm and aggravated fleeing/bodily injury, one misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended license, and one citation each of operating an uninsured motor vehicle and involuntary committed obedience to police officers.
30-year-old Dierdre Kemp (Courtesy: CPD)

Circumstances of the Arrest

Kemp turned herself in at the 1st District Chicago police station on South State Street on Thursday, June 19, where she was then placed under arrest and later charged.

Background of the Protest

On Tuesday, June 10, a large anti-ICE protest took place at Federal Plaza and later spread to city streets around the Loop. The crowd moved throughout the downtown streets, appearing to reach as far as DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The protests remained largely peaceful, until WGN TV News cameras captured a car driving through the crowd of marching protesters.
More info: Anti-ICE Protests in Chicago on June 10, 2025

Incident Involving the Protester

As this was happening, CPD said 66-year-old Heather Blair was standing in the roadway when she was struck by an unknown vehicle.

Aftermath of the Incident

Blair later told WGN TV News she suffered a fracture to her arm, bruising to her ribs and damage to her teeth. She was taken to Northwestern Hospital where she was treated and released early the next morning.
“Because it was accelerating and not just driving at a steady pace or a slow pace, I thought this is an attack,” Blair said.

Previous Charges Against Kemp

Kemp had two battery charges on her record before she was arrested and charged in connection to the anti-ICE protest incident—one for domestic battery in December 2014, and another for battery – physical contact on April 28, 2025.

Conclusion

The incident highlights the potential dangers and consequences of violent acts during protests. The arrest and charges brought against Dierdre Kemp serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting the law and the safety of others, even in the midst of disagreement or protest. It is crucial for both protesters and authorities to maintain a peaceful and respectful environment to avoid such incidents in the future.

FAQs

• Q: What were the charges brought against Dierdre Kemp?
  A: Kemp was charged with one felony count each of aggressive reckless driving/bodily harm and aggravated fleeing/bodily injury, one misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended license, and one citation each of operating an uninsured motor vehicle and involuntary committed obedience to police officers.
• Q: Who was injured during the protest?
  A: 66-year-old Heather Blair was struck by the vehicle and suffered a fracture to her arm, bruising to her ribs, and damage to her teeth.
• Q: What was the context of the protest?
  A: The protest was an anti-ICE demonstration that started at Federal Plaza and moved through the downtown streets of Chicago.
• Q: Did Kemp have any previous charges?
  A: Yes, Kemp had two previous battery charges: one for domestic battery in December 2014, and another for battery – physical contact on April 28, 2025.