Who is Nathan Griffin? Laugh Factory Manager Arrested Outside Chicago Comedy Club

A shocking scene unfolded outside the Laugh Factory in Chicago on Friday morning when night manager Nathan Griffin was arrested by federal agents in front of his mother. The incident, which quickly went viral online, has sparked outrage and confusion about what really happened.

Arrest Outside Laugh Factory Chicago

According to NBC Chicago, police received a call around 9:20 a.m. about a battery in progress near the comedy club. When officers arrived, they found federal agents in a struggle with two people — Griffin and his mother, Elaine Plybon.

Video footage shared online shows agents taking Griffin to the ground while bystanders screamed for them to stop. Witnesses said Griffin’s mother tried to help her son but was restrained by agents. The situation quickly turned chaotic as onlookers recorded the arrest.

Witness Claims and Border Patrol Statement

A nearby worker, Will Kolic, told reporters that several cars pulled up suddenly. He said men jumped out, grabbed a man who looked Hispanic, and forced him to the ground. Kolic added that Griffin was with his mother when agents “snatched him.”

In response, Border Patrol released a statement claiming Griffin tried to impede and obstruct federal officers during an operation. They said he attempted to close a car door on an agent’s leg before being detained and handed over to the FBI.

Family Calls It a “Kidnapping”

Elaine Plybon, Griffin’s mother, posted a tearful video on Instagram describing the event as a “kidnapping.” She said she came to Chicago to visit her son but instead witnessed him being “taken away by Border Patrol.”

“When I think about leaving my house now, I get scared,” she said. “I can still hear the screams and see the moment they pulled him away from me.”

Legal Battle and GoFundMe Support

Following the arrest, Griffin’s brother-in-law, Tom Pinney, and his mother started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for his legal defense. They claim Griffin is a natural-born U.S. citizen who was wrongfully detained.

“After being hidden for hours, he was finally found in FBI custody,” Pinney wrote. “He is now facing a federal assault charge that could bring up to eight years in prison if convicted.”

The fundraiser has already surpassed $20,000 since being launched on Saturday. Elaine Plybon thanked supporters, saying, “The love and support remind us of the America we believe in.”

What Happens Next?

Griffin’s case has drawn national attention and raised questions about federal immigration enforcement and mistaken identity. Supporters are calling for transparency and a full investigation into the incident.