Illinois U.S. representatives denied access to Broadview immigration facility; House Speaker Mike Johnson tours Chicago ICE office
Share this @internewscast.com

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — For the second consecutive day, Illinois U.S. House representatives sought entry into a federally-managed facility, only to report being refused access.

Their unplanned arrival at what they describe as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Broadview coincided with a visit by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to the Chicago ICE Field Office downtown.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Local officials and immigrant advocacy organizations continue to highlight the Trump administration’s emphasis on Chicago while implementing the president’s extensive deportation agenda.

The representatives are demanding ICE to be transparent and allow for due process.

“We have been here for over an hour seeking to meet with the field director,” Illinois U.S. Representative Jesús Chuy García said. “They won’t open the door.”

RELATED | U.S. Reps. Krishnamoorthi, Jackson denied tour of South Loop immigration check-in facility

Congressman García and three other members of congress, Danny Davis, Delia Ramirez and Jonathan Jackson, all stood on the steps of a Broadview facility they believe is being used to unlawfully detain people.

“Yes, that is a strong possibility,” Rep. Davis said.

Video showed the representatives’ attempts to make contact with anyone inside.

“Someone who came out here, masked, unnamed, refused to identify himself, told us that we need to send an email requesting access to this building,” García said.

RELATED | Broadview immigration case check-in requests over Father’s Day weekend raise ICE raid fears

While the four Democratic lawmakers were turned away, Speaker Johnson, a Republican, visited the Chicago ICE Field Office downtown, and appeared on Fox News Wednesday morning.

“I tell you what, they’ve got a very difficult job here in this deep blue territory with a mayor who is on the wrong side of the law, and they’re doing everything they can,” Johnson said. “It’s a patriotic duty. They’re understaffed. They’re overwhelmed with the workload. They’re trying to go after the dangerous, criminal, illegal aliens that are in the country harming American citizens.”

Congressman García pushed back on that narrative, saying ICE is specifically targeting law-abiding people.

“U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, people here under color of law, people seeking asylum, people with work permits, are being kidnapped and arrested,” García said.

Joining the representatives were dozens of immigrant rights activists, marching down the street outside the “ICE processing center,” demanding accountability.

“Why does this federal agency, funded by tax dollars, operate with absolutely no transparency?” said Lawrence Benito with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. “We know why, because they are trying to hide conditions, period.”

ABC7 has reached out the the Department of Homeland Security for comment.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago CTA riders deal with weekend work halting trains on elevated Loop tracks on Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines

Weekend CTA Maintenance Disrupts Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink Line Services in Chicago’s Loop

In an unexpected twist for many Chicago commuters, the CTA announced a…
Heidi Klum drops 'cheeky' new Halloween costume hint

Heidi Klum Teases Fans with Playful Halloween Costume Preview: What to Expect This Year

Heidi Klum might be giving her fans a glimpse of her renowned…
ICE, CBP seize 400 firearms hidden in fake trailer walls at southern border crossing

ICE and CBP Uncover 400 Firearms Concealed in False Trailer Walls at Southern Border Checkpoint

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: In Laredo, Texas, a father and son have been…
Jaxson Dart welcomes Eagles crowd’s ‘hostility’ for pivotal Giants game in South Philly

Jaxson Dart Embraces Intense Eagles Fans Ahead of Crucial Giants Matchup in South Philly

Jaxson Dart is well-acquainted with playing in unfriendly settings. The rookie quarterback…
The Daily News Endorsement: Cuomo offers NYC a path forward while Mamdani peddles hollow promises

The Daily News Endorses Cuomo for NYC’s Future, Critiques Mamdani’s Proposals as Lacking Substance

The final mayoral debate highlighted Zohran Mamdani’s lackluster performance, underscoring persistent issues…
GIF of agents clashing with protesters in Portland at an ICE facility

Protesters Captured on Video Clashing with Federal Officers at Portland ICE Facility, Leading to Arrests

A woman was taken into custody outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs…
FBI Director Kash Patel plans travel to China in fentanyl crackdown effort

FBI Director Kash Patel to Visit China in Strategic Move to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to travel to China next month,…
Investigators uncover possible serial killer linked to women’s murders, missing TV anchor

Investigators Discover Potential Serial Killer Connection to Women’s Murders and Disappearance of TV Anchor

This week, officials disclosed that a man once considered a key figure…
Our Chicago: llinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation fostering the next generation of Latino leaders

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation Paves Path for Future Latino Leaders in Chicago

The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation was established in 2002 by a…
Clifford Proctor, LAPD officer at one time, charged with murder in 2015 Venice shooting of unarmed homeless man Brendan Glenn

Former LAPD Officer Faces Murder Charges in 2015 Shooting of Unarmed Homeless Man in Venice

LOS ANGELES — A former Los Angeles police officer has been indicted…
Making daylight saving time permanent: Where all 50 states stand

Daylight Saving Time: A State-by-State Guide to Permanent Adoption Plans

Is it finally the right moment to abandon the semi-annual clock change?…
Sea & Sky Air Show powers through impacts from government shutdown, windy conditions

Sea & Sky Air Show Triumphs Over Government Shutdown and Challenging Winds

The Sea and Sky Air Show at Jacksonville Beach wrapped up earlier…