Defamation Lawsuit Against Pro-Trump Media Personality

On October 31, 2025, demonstrators gathered near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing and detention facility in Broadview, Illinois. This area was marked as a ‘free speech zone.’ A defamation lawsuit has been filed against Benny Johnson, a prominent media figure associated with pro-Trump views. Protesters allege that Johnson erroneously labeled them as ‘left-wing terrorists’ who assaulted federal officers.

Among the plaintiffs is Kyle Frankovich, who was unfamiliar with Johnson prior to the incident. He appeared in a video shared by Johnson, where protesters were depicted as being detained outside the ICE facility. Contrary to Johnson’s claims that, ‘These individuals assaulted ICE officers,’ the lawsuit states Johnson knew the accusation was false.

Frankovich was recording ICE agents from the designated area when he was arrested without cause. No charges were filed against him or co-plaintiff Maureen Foody. Images of Frankovich, clearly identifiable by his tattoos, ended up in ICE recruitment materials.

Frankovich, a data scientist at Harvard, and Foody, a court reporter, express fear of violent repercussions and professional backlash stemming from being labeled terrorists in Johnson’s content. The lawsuit describes the impact on their lives, mentioning increased safety precautions like avoiding solitary walks and privatizing social media.

Johnson’s influence spreads widely through his social media following, and his content has even been broadcast on platforms like Fox News. Johnson created these videos while accompanying Kristi Noem, then the Secretary of Homeland Security, and Gregory Bovino, Border Patrol Commander-at-Large.

Rachel Goodman, special counsel with Protect Democracy—a legal non-profit—remarked on the claims against Johnson, noting a consistent approach by the Trump administration to control information. Although not part of the lawsuit, Goodman highlighted efforts to undermine journalism, adding that there’s a focus on collaborating with politically aligned influencers to produce content.