Chicago Reporters, NABET Local 41 Sue ICE, DHS for Alleged ‘Excessive Force’ at Broadview Facility Protests

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — Reporters and media unions in Chicago have filed a lawsuit against U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement along with the Department of Homeland Security, claiming the federal agencies have exercised “extreme force” on journalists and TV crews covering protests in Broadview.

The groups suing include NABET Local 41, which represents members of ABC7 Chicago and other local TV stations.

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There have been multiple incidents where ABC7’s teams have been affected by the use of tear gas and pepper spray balls fired into crowds.

Neither ICE nor DHS immediately responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

The village of Broadview has also filed suit against ICE and DHS over the fencing surrounding the ICE detention facility.

Broadview officials have also launched three criminal investigations into ICE activity.

Oak Park trustee says feds pulled him to ground, detained him

Meanwhile, Oak Park Township leaders are condemning what they call excessive force by federal agents outside the Broadview ICE facility.

Trustee Juan Muñoz says he was pulled to the ground and briefly detained while observing last Friday’s protest.

“Our community values fairness, compassion, and justice,” stated Trustee Muñoz. “We will uphold these principles and demand accountability from any agency that undermines them.”

Munoz says those detained were held in poor conditions and had limited access to bathrooms.

Oak Park leaders say they are planning to keep pushing for transparency at the facility.

Broadview sets fixed protest hours for hours outside ICE facility

On Monday evening, the mayor clarified her decision to implement designated protest hours for demonstrators outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.

This comes after early morning and late night protests that have often ended in clashes with federal agents.

Mayor Katrina Thompson said around 8 p.m. Saturday, 25th Avenue needed to be closed due to protesters who tried to take over Interstate 290, as well.

“I’ve consistently expressed my commitment to safeguarding the protesters’ constitutionally protected right to free speech. I endorse their cause. However, the ongoing confrontations with ICE agents in our city are heavily disrupting the quality of life for my residents, whose rights I am sworn to protect. We reside here. Our residents live here and are entitled to dignity and respect,” Thompson stated.

Protesters have assembled almost daily outside the ICE facility on Beach Street, leading to a negative impact on the community, according to Thompson, who discussed the matter at the Broadview Board of Trustees meeting.

“The repeated clashes with ICE agents are creating an environment disrupting the quality of life of those who live and work here,” Thompson said.

Thompson signed an executive order setting fixed protest hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in two designated zones near the facility. Thompson said her aim is to keep residents safe and protect the right to free speech of protesters, many of whom, she says, do not live in the village.

“When they leave Broadview, guess where they get to go back? To a safe, calm environment. When they’re out here, we have to live with the trauma and drama that’s created that none of us can control,” Thompson said.

Several protesters attended the meeting, with some speaking out against the executive order.

“This order, though well-intentioned, goes too far. It cuts off one of our most basic constitutional rights: the right to speak and assemble freely,” one speaker said.

The American Civil Liberties Union says they will review the executive order to see if it impacts First Amendment activity. As for enforcing the order, Thompson says it remains to be seen if protesters adhere to it.