Tensions Escalate at ICE Processing Center in Broadview Amid Uncertainty Over Facility’s Future
CHICAGO (WLS) — There was some movement Sunday in and out of the immigration facility in Broadview as uncertainty grows about the location’s future. ABC7 crews witnessed several buses and vehicles coming and going, which is where tensions began to escalate between protesters and armed guards.
ABC7 also observed guards stationed on the roof firing what appeared to be pepper bullets in an attempt to push the crowd back from the gate.
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Tensions remained high at the ICE Processing Center Sunday night as families of detainees received word that their loved ones may be moved to other locations. One woman, who chose to remain anonymous, shared that she received a call from the facility regarding her father, who was detained earlier this week.
“They called us at 6 p.m. and told us to bring him something because they’re all leaving, and they’re either getting sent to Wisconsin, Michigan, or Texas,” she said. “They’re telling him he has to wait two months for court — two months in Texas — and then he’ll get deported. Instead of self-deporting because he just wants to self-deport, they’re not letting him.”
Speculation continues to grow about how long operations may continue at the facility after protests escalated there earlier this week.
READ MORE | Arrests made as protesters clash with ICE at Broadview facility, DHS says
Department of Homeland Security Responds
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement Sunday night addressing the situation, stating in part:
“Any allegations that ICE Broadview Processing Center is temporarily closing are FALSE. Secretary Noem’s message to rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE will continue to enforce the law.”
Stephen Paul Beyer, one of the organizers of the protests, emphasized their efforts to maintain peace with a message of solidarity.
“The families coming in to visit — it has been heartbreaking to see them. We’ve really been trying to stay out of the way so the families get a chance to see their loved ones when they are taken out,” Beyer said.
Concerns Over Conditions at the Facility
There are growing concerns from families about the conditions their loved ones are enduring at the facility. A detainee’s daughter revealed distressing details:
“He said they were sleeping on the floor, he was handcuffed for about 12 hours, and at one point there were 150 people in one room,” she said.
Arrests and Law Enforcement Activity
DHS reported that federal enforcement agents have arrested 16 protesters so far this week during escalations seen at the facility. Despite the tensions, the crowd remained calm Sunday night while ABC7 observed vehicles continuing to come and go.
DHS issued the following full statement:
“Any allegations that ICE Broadview Processing Center is temporarily closing are FALSE. Since Friday, rioters and sanctuary politicians have obstructed and assaulted law enforcement. These rioters have thrown tear gas canisters, rocks, bottles, and fireworks at law enforcement, slashed tires of cars, blocked the entrance to the building, and trespassed on private property.
“Police under JB Pritzker’s sanctuary jurisdiction refused to answer multiple calls for assistance. So far, federal law enforcement arrested 16 rioters.
“Secretary Noem’s message to rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Response from Illinois Governor’s Office
In response, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s office issued the following statement:
“The media needs to use extreme caution before reporting what the Trump Administration is saying given their record of lies, lack of transparency, and failure to coordinate with state and local law enforcement. It is completely false to suggest the state or local municipalities have been obstructing federal officials.
“The state has not received multiple calls for assistance from the federal government and would remind them of the importance of coordinating with local law enforcement to protect public safety. Governor Pritzker has been clear that violence is unacceptable and everyone needs to follow the law, which includes federal agents respecting constitutional rights to peaceful protest.”
Sources told ABC7 that Cook County and the village of Broadview so far have not requested assistance from the state of Illinois.
