DePaul Student Charged With Felony After Spitting Incident Involving ICE Agent at O’Hare Airport

A DePaul University student has been charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer after allegedly spitting on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Sunday evening, police records show.

Chicago police arrested Brett Heier, 20, on Tuesday following accusations that he “intentionally and forcefully” spat on the agent while exiting Terminal 2. Authorities said Heier was identified by the ICE agent and another agency official, both of whom recognized his photo in a lineup. The incident comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions over immigration enforcement and government funding disputes.

Heier, according to his attorney Barry Sheppard, was taking medication for an abscessed tooth at the time and may have unintentionally spat on the agent’s shoe rather than directly at the official. Sheppard contended that the event has been exaggerated and said Heier has no prior arrests. The arrest report confirms Heier was on medication when the alleged incident occurred.

An ICE spokesperson pointed to broader risks faced by its personnel, citing significant increases in assaults, vehicular attacks, and death threats in recent years as immigration enforcement remains a focal point of national debate.

The alleged assault came one week after President Donald Trump directed ICE agents to airports across the U.S. amid a standoff over Department of Homeland Security funding, contributing to a partial government shutdown and disruptions for air travelers. Unlike Transportation Security Administration employees, who experienced pay delays, ICE staff have remained funded by separate legislation.

Heier was released from custody after his initial court appearance Wednesday. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office has declined to comment on the decision to charge Heier with a felony. The case remains ongoing, with no further action reported at this time.