CHICAGO — A Berwyn woman who said federal agents seriously injured her during a peaceful protest outside the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center is seeking $1.5 million in damages.
According to an administrative claim filed this week against federal agents, Ashley Vaughan suffered a concussion, chemical burns and contusions while attending a Sept. 12 protest where law enforcement fired chemical munitions and projectiles at her and other demonstrators.
Vaughan, who is disabled and uses a cane, was struck in the forehead, causing her to fall and temporarily lose her vision, the claim alleges. Federal officers continued firing, hitting her multiple times in the chest and upper body as she attempted to take cover behind a nearby dumpster. Pepper spray and other chemical agents entered her eyes, mouth and lungs, causing severe burning, vision loss and difficulty breathing, according to the claim.
Vaughan said she informed officers of her disability before the incident, but it was not taken into account. Nearby protesters helped her to her feet and pulled her out of the range of fire as they waited for an ambulance…