BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — A confrontation outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement center in Broadview resulted in the arrest of 21 individuals and left four officers injured on Friday.
The demonstration, which took place in the morning, drew a significant crowd outside the facility.
At approximately 10 a.m., tensions escalated when activists moved beyond the area reserved for the protest, leading to a standoff with law enforcement.
In response, authorities pushed the demonstrators back and apprehended several participants.
This event marked the most substantial gathering in Broadview in recent weeks.
The protest was prominently led by members of the faith community, who rallied hundreds against ICE policies.
They had hoped for it be non-violent. It was expected to be a prayer vigil with faith leaders requesting access inside the building.
Counter-protesters were also present.
Cook County sheriff’s deputies, Illinois State Police and Broadview police were trying to hold the line.
Some were in tactical gear, wearing face masks and holding batons and zip ties.
The afternoon was calmer.
Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said in a statement that two Broadview police officers, one state trooper and a Cook County sheriff’s deputy were injured.
“I have repeatedly pleaded to protesters to raise their voices, not their fists. They have chosen their fists. These out-of-towners have chosen to brutalize police officers who have been protecting their free speech and protecting them against assaults by ICE agents. We will see them in court,” the statement said.
“It’s unfortunate we came out here to pray for our neighbors who have been taken by ICE. And we came out here in a non-violent way and within seconds batons were out. Tasers were pulled out, and people were pushed down” said Brandon, a protester.
“This is an opportunity for us to testify to the evil that is in our country where it is unnecessary to be spending money to treat people in such a manner,” protester Sandra Castillo said.
Border Czar Tom Homan also weighed in on the clashes.
“Look, they got the right to protest. Have at it. But don’t cross the line. I was watching the videos before I came out here. When they, when they put hands on a law enforcement officer, they’re getting arrested, going to jail,” Homan said.
A federal judge has ordered the release of hundreds of migrants arrested in the Chicago area, including some arrested under the Department of Homeland Security’s “Operation Midway Blitz,” by Nov. 21 after finding their arrests could have violated a 2022 consent decree.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings sided with attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) representing detainees who said DHS violated a consent decree that limits the ability of federal agents to conduct warrantless arrests.
Cummings ordered 13 people to be released by Friday at noon, and another 615 people will be released into “alternatives-to-detention” which could include electronic monitoring by next Friday, Nov. 21.
The National Immigrant Justice Center said some were released.
It’s not clear where the rest are being held. It’s possible some are in Broadview.
The Department of Homeland Security asked the judge to pause the release of hundreds of immigrants, as the Trump administration considers an appeal.
The federal judge is now requiring attorneys for the detainees to respond by Monday.
DHS says the judge who ordered this release is putting American lives at risk.
