A University of Chicago professor, Eman Abdelhadi, known for her political activism and involvement in anti-ICE protests, has drawn further controversy by posting a scathing critique of former Vice President Dick Cheney on social media following his death. Abdelhadi, an assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Human Development, condemned Cheney on her Bluesky account, accusing him of being a ‘mass murderer.’ The professor was arrested on October 3 outside an ICE processing facility in Broadview, Illinois, where she was involved in demonstrations against immigration enforcement. She was charged with two counts of aggravated battery to a government employee and two counts of resisting peace. In addition to her arrest, Abdelhadi has been vocal on social media, joining a far-left podcast where she criticized ICE as ‘terrorists.’ She has also made headlines for her criticism of the University of Chicago, which she has described as a ‘colonial landlord.’ The university has not returned requests for comment on her situation, and her faculty page is still listed on the school’s website.
Abdelhadi’s posts following Dick Cheney’s death, which occurred from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease according to a statement obtained by Fox News, have ignited a broader conversation about free speech, political activism, and the boundaries of such expression in academia. Her criticism of Cheney, who served as a Republican congressman, defense secretary, and White House chief of staff under President George W. Bush, highlights her deep-seated opposition to policies she associates with government overreach. The professor’s remarks also reflect the polarized political climate in the United States, where debates over immigration policy and the role of federal agencies like ICE remain contentious. Her arrest at the anti-ICE rally underscores the tension between political activism and law enforcement, as well as the scrutiny faced by public figures who engage in provocative rhetoric. While the University of Chicago has condemned violence, it has not addressed the broader implications of Abdelhadi’s actions or her role in the university’s community. As of now, her employment status remains unresolved, with her faculty page still active on the university’s website.
Abdelhadi’s involvement in far-left political circles has also led to significant public attention. She joined a far-left podcast, where she accused ICE of being ‘terrorists’ and described the agency’s operations in Broadview, Illinois, as an intrusion into local communities. Her comments align with a broader movement of critics who view ICE as an oppressive force and advocate for the dismantling of federal immigration enforcement mechanisms. Despite her arrest and subsequent legal challenges, Abdelhadi has continued to express her political views, including a recent statement at the Socialism 2025 conference, where she criticized the University of Chicago for its role as a ‘colonial landlord.’ Her remarks have drawn both support from progressive groups and criticism from those who argue that her rhetoric crosses the line into incitement. The controversy surrounding Abdelhadi highlights the complex interplay between academic freedom, political activism, and the legal boundaries of dissent in the United States. As public discourse continues to evolve, the case of Eman Abdelhadi serves as a focal point for debates over free speech, social justice, and the responsibilities of public intellectuals in shaping public opinion.