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Attorneys representing a journalist from Chicago's local TV network who was temporarily detained by federal agents last week describe the incident as "something that should alarm and frighten every person in this nation".

Particulars of the Arrest

The journalist, a US citizen and station staff member, was taken into custody on the weekend by federal agents during an ICE operation in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. Footage from the scene depict the producer being pushed down by officers before she is handcuffed and put in a van.

At the moment, a homeland security official stated that Brockman "threw objects at an official vehicle" and was "placed under arrest for assault on a federal law enforcement officer".

Later on Friday, WGN announced that their employee had been released from federal custody and that no accusations had been pressed against her.

Legal Team's Reaction

In a statement issued by attorneys acting for the journalist on Tuesday, her representatives disputed the government's account. They stated they "strongly refute any allegation that she assaulted anyone" and that "Brockman was the one who was violently assaulted by officers on her way to work" on the date in question.

Her attorneys explain that at the time of the detainment, the journalist was "not performing in any official role as an staff member for the station" but that she was just "walking to the bus stop as part of her daily travel when she was attacked by federal officers.

"The individual, who is a American citizen native to the US, was violently detained on Foster Avenue," the release adds. "As this occurred, individuals on the street began filming the incident and asked her her name."

The statement says that she informed the onlookers her name and that she was employed at the station, in the hopes that "someone would inform her workplace so colleagues would know that she would not be coming at work that day", her attorneys stated.

Aftermath and Legal Action

According to her lawyers, the journalist was held in federal custody for about several hours before being released.

"The individual has not been accused with any crimes and she plans to explore all legal options open to her to vindicate her entitlements and ensure government accountability for their conduct," the statement notes.

"Brad Thomson, a legal representative, commented in the statement: "When equipped, covered, federal agents are snatching American nationals off the street as they walk to work and placing them in non-descript cars, you can only imagine what these officers must be willing to do to our immigrant neighbors and individuals who dare to speak out against them."

"Ms Brockman was taken to the ground, battered, restrained, and her trousers were pulled down revealing her bare buttocks," Thomson said. "Not anyone should be handled like that in this metropolis, in this country or any other place in the world."

ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and the border agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the media.