BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — Protesters rallied outside the Broadview U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center Thursday.
The demonstrators, representing various veteran organizations, have stated their demand for ICE to cease the harassment of peaceful protesters and immigrants in the Chicago region.
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Meanwhile, Illinois State Police said they are setting up barricades to create zones for people to protest in Broadview.
Recently, the area has occasionally become inundated with individuals dissatisfied with ICE’s operations, resulting in clashes with agents and the charging of five people following protests the previous weekend.
“Unified Command is establishing designated areas where individuals can exercise their rights safely, which will enhance public safety and ensure that vehicular traffic can access the roads safely,” stated a portion of a news release from ISP. “The goal of the Unified Command is to ensure the health and safety of everyone, including nearby Broadview residents and businesses, and to facilitate the peaceful expression of First Amendment rights. Agencies involved in this operation will neither aid nor obstruct enforcement of federal immigration laws, adhering to state and federal regulations.”
Illinois State Police share map of designated protests areas near Broadview ICE facility.
Concrete barricades, three feet tall, have now been installed along the street leading to the immigration detention center in Broadview, where anti-ICE protesters have been convening for weeks.
The Illinois State Police claim this measure allows for traffic flow while simultaneously confining demonstrators to a specific area, maintaining a safe distance from the facility.
“I fail to understand why peaceful protesters, practicing their First Amendment rights, need to be confined, if that is indeed the intention,” said detained protester Ronald Held. “ICE, rather than uphold the law, has been violating it.”
Held joined the frontlines again Thursday with other protesters after being detained for eight hours Saturday in the facility.
“While I was handcuffed with my hands behind my back, an agent opened the door to the federal vehicle and Greg Bovino, who is the chief enforcement officer to Border Patrol, stared at me and said, ‘Now, what do you want to say to me?'” Held said.
There was not much confrontation, Thursday night. In fact, the only time ABC7 crews saw federal agents come out was to open the gates to a man surrendering to immigration authorities following an emotional farewell with his family.
However, over the last few weeks, protests at the facility have led to the repeated deployment of tear gas and multiple arrests.
DHS said law enforcement have made over 900 arrests during the so-called Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois.
Thursday morning’s protest was organized in response to what they call a violent arrest of a 70-year-old Air Force veteran outside the Broadview Detention Center last weekend.
Dana Briggs was seen in video wearing a white hat telling federal agents to go away. At one point, the camera catches him on the ground.
The video shows a fellow protester tried to help him up. Agents then surrounded him, and he was led away.
Veterans from the non-profit “Common Defense,” alongside Illinois Vets for Change and the American Civil Liberties Union spoke out against the increasing presence of ICE and use of military force in communities.
Briggs’ arrest marks an alarming escalation of state-sanctioned violence, they said.
“So-called patriots are turning a blind eye when they see mass deportation efforts tearing apart our community, turning a blind eye when they see masked ICE agents and National Guard troops flooding our streets and numbing us to the reality that our civil rights, our democracy is being crushed day by day,” Army veteran Jesse Rojo said.
The Department of Homeland Security shared the following statement with ABC7 Thursday night:
“Dana Briggs struck a female Border Patrol officer, leading to his arrest for assault. As well, he was verbally abusive towards agents.
“Any claim that there is overcrowding or subprime conditions at ICE facilities are categorically false. All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers. As we arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens and public safety threats from the U.S., ICE has worked diligently to obtain greater necessary detention space while avoiding overcrowding. Secretary Noem has called on states and local government to help with bed and detention space capacity.”
Also this week, a judge has ordered federal authorities to release another man arrested at the Broadview facility last weekend.
Ray Collins was arrested alongside his wife Saturday on charges they assaulted ice agents. The two were found with guns which they had the proper permits to carry with them.
Collins’ wife was released earlier this week.
The barricades near the Broadview facility are likely in anticipation to the weekly large demonstrations that happen there on Fridays. Some have ended in violence and arrests.
Illinois State Police say they’ll also be there on patrol, making sure demonstrations remain peaceful.
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