Illinois residents sue right-wing influencer Benny Johnson for defamation related to Operation Midway Blitz social media posts

Case marks the first defamation suit stemming from Trump’s immigration raids

CHICAGO, IL (October 2, 2026) — Today, two Illinois residents filed a lawsuit against right-wing media influencer Benny Johnson for false, defamatory, and intentionally harmful statements made in a series of videos and social media posts about the plaintiffs’ peaceful participation in protests during Operation Midway Blitz. The plaintiffs are represented jointly by Evergreen Legal Strategies, Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, and Jacobson Lawyers Group. 

In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Maureen Foody and Kyle Frankovich allege Johnson falsely branded them as violent criminals and domestic terrorists who assaulted law enforcement officers. Johnson’s posts have been viewed and shared millions of times on social media. 

The complaint details how Johnson accompanied then-Secretary Kristi Noem to the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility and recorded what transpired. The plaintiffs stood in an area specifically demarcated for protesters, held signs, and engaged in song and prayer. Noem and then-Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino led a swarm of federal agents into the crowd, resulting in the plaintiffs being thrown to the ground, zip-tied, and illegally detained for hours, while Johnson cheered from the sideline.

Johnson later published footage of the detained protesters across multiple social media channels with captions falsely accusing the plaintiffs of terrorism and claiming they violently assaulted immigration officers. The videos and posts were amplified by Fox News and were used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in recruitment materials. Johnson's posts drew a flood of comments calling for violence against the plaintiffs, urging people to "shoot to kill" and "put the mob down." 

“Benny Johnson’s posts have damaged my reputation and left me genuinely afraid for my safety. I'm filing this lawsuit to set the record straight and ensure that Johnson can’t continue to profit off of lies that harm innocent people," said Kyle Frankovich. 

“Because of Benny Johnson, millions of people on the Internet think I’m a dangerous terrorist and that I attacked federal agents,” said Maureen Foody. “I have been living with harassment and fear ever since. Johnson needs to be held responsible for the harm he caused, which is why I’m filing this lawsuit today."

“Benny Johnson repeatedly and recklessly defamed Americans who were exercising their right to peaceful protest,” said Karianne Jones, partner at Evergreen Legal Strategies. “Holding him accountable in court is how we ensure that bad actors don’t profit off of lies and disinformation.”

“We’re proud to represent these clients, who are fighting for their First Amendment rights and holding Benny Johnson accountable for his lies,” said Antonio Romanucci, partner at Romanucci & Blandin, LLC. “We will continue to fight on behalf of all people whose rights have been violated.”

“Our clients have had their names and identities tarnished and their safety put at risk,” said Dan Jacobson, partner at Jacobson Lawyers Group. “They deserve their day in court to clear their names and show that in this country there are still consequences for defamatory remarks.”

The plaintiffs’ investigation is ongoing and any other third parties engaged in defamatory

conduct may be subject to a future lawsuit.

###

About Evergreen Legal Strategies

Evergreen Legal is a boutique strategic litigation and legal advisory firm. Founded in 2025, the firm focuses on high-stakes public interest legal matters — with expertise in administrative law, consumer protection, constitutional law, election integrity, firearm industry accountability, immigration, and mass torts. Evergreen Legal combines its legal expertise with compelling storytelling and a sophisticated understanding of rapidly shifting political and regulatory dynamics — offering high-level legal counsel, policy insight, and strategic communications.

About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death. For nearly 30 years, we have secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars and others record-setting awards. Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors differentiate our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We are different from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured. We are often inspired by our clients’ experiences and commit resources to create change in our communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit www.rblaw.net or call (312) 458-1000.

About Jacobson Lawyers Group

Jacobson Lawyers Group PLLC is a Washington, D.C.-based law firm focused on litigation, regulatory law, investigations and oversight, and counseling involving the federal government. Founded by Dan Jacobson, former General Counsel of the Office of Management and Budget, the firm includes former senior government attorneys who bring deep experience with the laws governing the Executive Branch and with litigation challenging unlawful government action. The firm represents individuals, businesses, nonprofits, federal contractors, local governments, and others navigating complex interactions with the federal government.