CBS News’ Lauren Victory, a reporter for CBS News, was involved in a heated on-air confrontation Friday when she was mobbed and falsely accused of being a Fox News employee as well as “lying” regarding offensive signs at a demonstration against ICE outside Chicago.
The correspondent attempted to describe the protesters she encountered during the Broadview segment, which was broadcast live from Broadview Illinois just 12 miles southwest of Chicago.
“Uhm, you know, this group is just out there, trying to do, show love.” She said, “I can see a sign here which says: ‘God Demands Freedom’.” There are many signs around with biblical verses, but some of them have words like “curse” or “pointing”.
A protester off camera interrupted.
The man replied, “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The reporter responded, “I’ve seen a few.”
He asked, “Who do you work for Fox?”
Victory’s voice grew softer as tension arose.
The protester retorted, “Why do you lie to them?”
I’m not lying. “I saw some signs,” replied the woman, before abruptly cutting away from her broadcast.
WATCH:
The anchor wrapped up the segment quickly in the studio. “We are going to check on Lauren’s well-being.” Lauren, we thank you. “We’re going make sure that she is okay while she interacts with people who are gathered at this demonstration.”
A volatile crowd gathered outside a Chicago suburb immigration facility where protesters clashed about ICE and border policies.
Since the launch of “Operation Midway Blitz,” a deportation campaign that produced hundreds arrests, tensions have been rising in the city.
