Student charged with battery after being accused of spitting at ICE agent in airport

A university student was arrested after spitting on a U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, according to police.

Brett Heier, 20, was charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer while leaving Terminal 2 at O'Hare International Airport on Sunday, according to the Chicago Police Department. The arrest was reported by Newsweek.

Spitting on an officer is considered a felony.

Heier’s attorney, Barry Sheppard, argued his client’s actions may have been unintentional, according to the Chicago Sun Times. His client is only accused of spitting on the agent's shoe, he clarified.

The accusation comes at a time when the Department of Homeland Security reports increased assaults against ICE agents.

The agency has been mired in controversy as it's the frontline of the Trump administration’s mass deportation program.