Chicago protest calls on Cook County, Illinois to shut down Broadview ICE facility, alleging inhumane conditions
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — There were new calls Tuesday to shut down the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Broadview facility.

Protesters said the building has no beds or showers, and is designed to hold detainees for no more than 12 hours.

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

The activists are urging both county and state authorities to close the ICE facility in Broadview. Although it’s not officially labeled as a detention center, it is reportedly keeping individuals beyond the duration that ICE typically allows.

On Tuesday, a group of demonstrators entered the Cook County Administration Building in the Loop in an attempt to personally deliver a letter to State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The letter demands that these lawmakers use state laws to close the immigration processing center in Broadview.

“ICE is detaining individuals for periods much longer than their official guidelines suggest,” stated Omar Flores, representing the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

RELATED: U.S. reps. denied access to Broadview immigration facility; Speaker Johnson tours Chicago ICE office

For years, ICE’s Broadview facility has been used as a booking facility, where those taken into custody are processed before being taken to an official detention center. In the past, detainees rarely spent more than a day there. But, according to those gathered in Daley Plaza Tuesday, under the Trump administration, that’s changed, forcing people to live in what they say are inhumane conditions.

“They don’t have showers. They don’t have beds. They don’t have kitchen facilities. It’s not. It’s meant to be a processing center. That is really all it is. It’s not meant to hold people for longer than 12 hours,” immigration attorney Louise Carhart said.

Protesters want elected officials to use the Illinois Way Forward Act, which already forbids county and state facilities from housing ICE detainees, to shut down the Broadview facility, which, in their view, has become a de facto detention center.

“It’s overflowed. They’re not able to take people out within the times they are supposed to,” said Brandon Lee, with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

A spokesperson for ICE said, “Any accusations that detainees are treated inhumanely in any way are categorically false…There are occasions where detainees might need to stay at the Broadview office longer than the anticipated administrative processing time. While these instances are a rarity, detainees in such situations are given ample food, regular access to phones, showers and legal representation as well as medical care when needed.”

The Cook County state’s attorney said the office has no jurisdiction over the legality of the Broadview ICE facility.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Elizabeth Smart blasts Ghislaine Maxwell’s ‘country club’ prison treatment: ‘Makes me sick’

Elizabeth Smart Condemns Ghislaine Maxwell’s ‘Luxury’ Prison Conditions: ‘It’s Appalling

Elizabeth Smart has expressed her anger over reports that Ghislaine Maxwell, the…
Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente identified as Brown University and MIT shooting suspect, found dead

Brown and MIT Shootings Raise Concerns: Are Elite Universities Equipped to Handle Targeted Violence?

Two fatal shootings at prestigious U.S. universities, situated just 50 miles apart,…
State Attorney's Office to seek death penalty for suspect in deadly Putnam County stabbing

Putnam County Stabbing Case: State Attorney Pursues Death Penalty for Suspect

The harrowing nature of a recent crime in Putnam County, Florida, has…
$775 million Powerball: Winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Winner Announced for Saturday’s $1.5 Billion Powerball Jackpot

WASHINGTON — Anticipation is building as the Powerball jackpot has soared to…
AG Pam Bondi has 'conflict of interest' in seeking death penalty against Luigi Mangione, defense says

Conflict of Interest: AG Pam Bondi’s Controversial Pursuit of the Death Penalty in Luigi Mangione Case

NEW YORK — In a recent court submission, attorneys representing Luigi Mangione…
Australian state weighs ban on 'globalize the intifada' chants, masked protesters in wake of Hanukkah attack

Australian State Considers Ban on Controversial Chants and Masks Post-Hanukkah Attack

In New South Wales, Australia, authorities are considering a prohibition on the…
When does Girl Scout cookie season start?

Unlock the Sweetness: Your Ultimate Guide to Girl Scout Cookie Season 2024

The much-anticipated Girl Scout cookie season is just around the corner, bringing…
Target Lady Has Last Laugh on AWFL Grinch Who Tried to Steal Christmas, Gets Roaring Welcome at TPUSA

Target Employee Triumphs Over AWFL Grinch: Heartwarming Comeback at TPUSA Event

At 72 years old, Jeanie Beeman, a Target employee, received a warm…
LA deputies caught on camera racing into foggy ocean to rescue disoriented paragliders

Los Angeles Deputies Heroically Dive into Foggy Waters to Rescue Stranded Paragliders

Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies heroically saved two paragliders from a…
Blue Origin launch: Paraplegic engineer Michaela Benthaus becomes first wheelchair user to blast into space

Groundbreaking Space Journey: Paraplegic Engineer Michaela Benthaus Makes History as First Wheelchair User in Space

A remarkable journey unfolded on Saturday as Michaela Benthaus, a paraplegic engineer…
Everything you need to know about Christmas, and how it has evolved into a global holiday

Unwrapping Christmas: The Fascinating Evolution of a Worldwide Celebration

Christmas, a holiday celebrated by Christians to honor the birth of Jesus…
Dave Chappelle surprises fans with Netflix special after Joshua-Paul fight

Dave Chappelle Drops Unexpected Netflix Special Following Joshua-Paul Fight

Dave Chappelle is once again ready to deliver laughs to his audience.…