In Broadview, Illinois, large groups of demonstrators once again gathered outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on Saturday, voicing their opposition to ongoing federal immigration policies.
This surge in protest activity coincides with an intensified immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, following a controversial incident where an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minnesota.
Braving the icy temperatures, protesters assembled peacefully, emphasizing that their message to the Trump administration is more crucial than ever.
“This is our country, belonging to us, the people. It feels as if it’s been overtaken by those who don’t prioritize our well-being,” expressed demonstrator Mary Moreland.
The gathering marked the first significant protest at the ICE facility in some time, reminiscent of the days when thousands would rally weekly during heightened immigration operations in the Chicagoland area. With tensions escalating in Minneapolis, activists believe continued organization is essential.
“What’s happening here is concerning, but Minnesota feels like ground zero. To deploy such excessive tear gas on a crowd, what’s the justification?” questioned demonstrator David Kav.
Of course, Saturday’s demonstration, led by the organization American Opposition, came as clashes between protesters and immigration agents continue in Minneapolis, especially after Good’s shooting death less than two weeks ago.
And just days ago, tensions flared up in that city once again after a federal agent shot an alleged undocumented immigrant in the leg during a traffic stop. The Department of Homeland Security says the agent was also attacked. Demonstrators could be seen throwing fireworks in response as agents deployed chemical irritants.
Meanwhile, sources told ABC News that federal officials have opened an investigation into Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, looking into whether they may have obstructed law enforcement activity in the state.
And while President Donald Trump and DHS Sec. Kristi Noem have said many anti-ICE protesters are paid agitators, demonstrators in Broadview pushed back against that narrative.
“I’m just an old white guy from the suburbs. I don’t have a criminal record. I don’t get paid for this. I do it because we have to. We have to get out in bad weather, good weather,” said one protester, named Tony.
The crowd rallied right outside the west suburban ICE facility for a couple of hours before marching their way down 25th Street.
READ MORE | Renee Good’s wife speaks out after fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis: ‘She literally sparkled’
The Unified Command Center reported no arrests from Saturday’s protest.
People there say it was important to send their message peacefully.
“It’s about people who see what’s happening and want to make a change, and that’s why you have people out here in 12-degree weather, however cold it is, because they want to see change,” Tovar said.
“We are here to send a clear message, that we are going to stay and we are going to stand up for what freedom actually is,” Kav said.
According to organizers, this is the first of many more rallies planned in Broadview and around Chicagoland, as they say, they are worried that federal immigration operations will return to the area soon.
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