An air of uncertainty looms over the immigration facility in Broadview as activities unfolded throughout Sunday, with noticeable movement at the site.
ABC7 crews observed buses and vehicles coming and going, leading to rising tensions between protesters and security personnel. Guards positioned on the roof resorted to firing what seemed to be pepper bullets to disperse the crowd near the gate.
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Tensions were palpable at the Broadview ICE Processing Center late into Sunday as families of detainees were informed that their relatives might be relocated.
One woman, who did not want to be identified, said she received a call from the facility about her father who was detained earlier this week.
“We received a call at 6 p.m. advising us to bring him something since they are moving everyone, possibly to Wisconsin, Michigan, or Texas,” one family member said. “He might have to wait two months in Texas for a court date and then face deportation. He wishes to self-deport, but they aren’t permitting it.”
That comes as speculation is growing about how long operations may continue at the facility after protests escalated there earlier this week.
READ MORE | Arrests made as protesters clash with ICE at Broadview facility, DHS says
Reports have emerged suggesting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may consider relocating from this facility, a notion confirmed by an ABC7 I-Team source.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement Sunday night addressing the rumors: “Claims that the ICE Broadview Processing Center is temporarily closing are FALSE… Secretary Noem emphasizes to rioters: you will not halt or impede our efforts. ICE remains committed to enforcing the law.”
One man organizing the protests, Stephen Paul Beyer, says they’re trying to maintain the peace with a message of solidarity.
“The families coming into visit it has been heartbreaking to see them we’ve really been trying to stay out of the way so the families when they come get a chance to see when their loved ones are taking out,” Beyer said.
There are also concerns from families about the conditions their loved ones are enduring at the facility.
“He said they were sleeping on the floor he was handcuffed for about 12 hours and he said there was 150 people in one room at some point,” the detainee’s daughter said.
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DHS said federal enforcement has arrested 16 protesters so far this week during some of the escalations that were seen.
The crowd remained calm Sunday night as ABC7 saw vehicles continue to come and go from the facility.
DHS issued the following full statement:
“Any allegations that ICE Broadview Processing Center is temporarily closing is FALSE. Since Friday, rioters and sanctuary politicians have obstructed and assaulted law enforcement. These rioters have thrown tear gas cans, rocks, bottles, and fireworks at law enforcement, slashed tires of cars, blocked the entrance of the building, and trespassed on private property.
“Police under JB Pritzker’s sanctuary jurisdiction refused to answer multiple calls for assistance. So far, federal law enforcement arrested 16 rioters.
“Secretary Noem’s message to rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
In response, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s officer issued the following statement:
“The media needs to use extreme caution before reporting what the Trump Administration is saying given their record of lies, lack of transparency, and failure to coordinate with the state and local law enforcement. It’s completely false to suggest the state or local municipalities have been obstructing federal officials. The state has not received multiple calls for assistance from the federal government and would remind them the importance of coordinating with local law enforcement to protect public safety. Governor Pritzker has been clear that violence is unacceptable and everyone needs to follow the law, which includes federal agents respecting constitutional rights to peaceful protest.”
Cook County and the village of Broadview so far have not requested assistance from the state of Illinois, sources told ABC7.
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