Illinois U.S. representatives denied access to Broadview immigration facility; House Speaker Mike Johnson tours Chicago ICE office
Share this @internewscast.com

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — For the second consecutive day, Illinois U.S. House representatives sought entry into a federally-managed facility, only to report being refused access.

Their unplanned arrival at what they describe as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Broadview coincided with a visit by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to the Chicago ICE Field Office downtown.

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

Local officials and immigrant advocacy organizations continue to highlight the Trump administration’s emphasis on Chicago while implementing the president’s extensive deportation agenda.

The representatives are demanding ICE to be transparent and allow for due process.

“We have been here for over an hour seeking to meet with the field director,” Illinois U.S. Representative Jesús Chuy García said. “They won’t open the door.”

RELATED | U.S. Reps. Krishnamoorthi, Jackson denied tour of South Loop immigration check-in facility

Congressman García and three other members of congress, Danny Davis, Delia Ramirez and Jonathan Jackson, all stood on the steps of a Broadview facility they believe is being used to unlawfully detain people.

“Yes, that is a strong possibility,” Rep. Davis said.

Video showed the representatives’ attempts to make contact with anyone inside.

“Someone who came out here, masked, unnamed, refused to identify himself, told us that we need to send an email requesting access to this building,” García said.

RELATED | Broadview immigration case check-in requests over Father’s Day weekend raise ICE raid fears

While the four Democratic lawmakers were turned away, Speaker Johnson, a Republican, visited the Chicago ICE Field Office downtown, and appeared on Fox News Wednesday morning.

“I tell you what, they’ve got a very difficult job here in this deep blue territory with a mayor who is on the wrong side of the law, and they’re doing everything they can,” Johnson said. “It’s a patriotic duty. They’re understaffed. They’re overwhelmed with the workload. They’re trying to go after the dangerous, criminal, illegal aliens that are in the country harming American citizens.”

Congressman García pushed back on that narrative, saying ICE is specifically targeting law-abiding people.

“U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, people here under color of law, people seeking asylum, people with work permits, are being kidnapped and arrested,” García said.

Joining the representatives were dozens of immigrant rights activists, marching down the street outside the “ICE processing center,” demanding accountability.

“Why does this federal agency, funded by tax dollars, operate with absolutely no transparency?” said Lawrence Benito with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. “We know why, because they are trying to hide conditions, period.”

ABC7 has reached out the the Department of Homeland Security for comment.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
NFL news: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson out for Chicago Bears Week 8 matchup on Sunday

Lamar Jackson to Miss Week 8 Showdown: Ravens Face Bears Without Star Quarterback

BALTIMORE — The upcoming weekend marks a pivotal moment for the Baltimore…
Investigators uncover possible serial killer linked to women’s murders, missing TV anchor

Investigators Discover Potential Serial Killer Connection to Women’s Murders and Disappearance of TV Anchor

This week, officials disclosed that a man once considered a key figure…
Experts slam UN court ruling on Israel, warn opinion is also 'a real danger to the US'

Experts Criticize UN Court Decision on Israel, Caution of Potential Risks to the US

In a controversial development, experts on international law and the United Nations…
US deploys Ford carrier strike group to combat narco-terror in Western Hemisphere

US Deploys Ford Carrier Strike Group to Tackle Narco-Terrorism in Western Hemisphere

The Trump administration has issued orders for the Gerald R. Ford Carrier…
Serbian foreign minister proposes hosting Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations amid ongoing conflict

Serbia Offers Neutral Ground for Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks: A Diplomatic Step Towards Resolution

EXCLUSIVE: Marko Djuric, the Foreign Minister of Serbia, revealed to Fox News…
Trump’s $230M DOJ settlement bid likely has few legal backstops

Trump’s $230M DOJ Settlement Proposal Faces Legal Hurdles, Experts Say

Former President Donald Trump is pursuing a substantial compensation claim, potentially amounting…
More than 2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky recalled over metal contamination

Urgent Recall: Over 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Due to Metal Contamination

Consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled jerky or return it…
Multiple people shot at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania in Chester County: DA

Shooting Incident Reported at Lincoln University in Chester County: District Attorney Provides Update

Authorities have reported that multiple individuals were injured in a shooting incident…
Chicago shooting: Family pleads for justice after Princeton Miller shot, killed in West Loop during brother's birthday celebration

Family Seeks Justice After Princeton Miller Fatally Shot in Chicago’s West Loop During Birthday Celebration

A grieving family is desperately seeking answers over a month after their…
'I'm not afraid of anything anymore': St. Augustine pastor reflects one year after brutal stabbing

St. Augustine Pastor Finds Courage and Resilience One Year After Surviving Brutal Stabbing

“Stabbings are not something that happen at breakfast,” remarked Rev. Matt Marino,…
Jackson Chance Foundation to raise money for NICU families at 11th annual Ping Pong Ball at SPIN Chicago in River North

Join the 11th Annual Ping Pong Ball at SPIN Chicago to Support NICU Families with Jackson Chance Foundation

CHICAGO — The Jackson Chance Foundation is gearing up for its 11th…
The Louvre detective? Mystery dapper 'detective' in AP photo after the Louvre heist creates social media buzz

Mystery Man in Dapper Attire Sparks Online Frenzy After Louvre Heist

PARIS — In the aftermath of the audacious theft of the crown…