Protesters Demand Changes Outside Broadview ICE Facility

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — A group of 14 suburban mothers, collectively calling themselves a group of ‘moms,’ were removed by sheriff’s deputies Friday for staging a sit-in outside the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. The demonstration, which served as an act of civil disobedience, sought to highlight protests against the Department of Homeland Security‘s immigration enforcement operation known as ‘Midway Blitz.’

Organizer Ellen Toobin, a resident of Oak Park, expressed her concerns about the fear that immigrants in their community are facing. ‘It is worse than you can imagine out on the streets right now,’ Toobin said. ‘We are here to stand with our friends and neighbors who have been abducted and terrified.’ She urged others to join them, stating, ‘We need to get off our phones and onto the streets.’

A caravan of approximately 20 vehicles also supported the protest, driving by the intersection of Beech and Lexington with the message ‘hands off Chicago’ displayed in protest of ongoing immigration enforcement.

In total, 16 individuals were arrested during Friday’s events, including two additional detentions aside from the mothers. The protests consisted of at least three separate demonstrations, which included a multi-faith prayer service that began around 11 a.m.

Local faith leaders have weighed in on the situation, voicing their concerns about federal operations. Father Michael Pfleger from Saint Sabina Church stated, ‘They need to get the hell out of Chicago and get the hell out of Illinois. This is not acceptable. We are going to fight against them.’

The protests followed a recent federal judge’s order directing the Department of Homeland Security to improve the treatment of detainees at the Broadview facility. The ruling requires the agency to provide essential items such as clean bedding, adequate meals, and sufficient space for detainees.

A remote status hearing regarding the conditions at the Broadview facility was held on the same day as the protests. Judge Laura McNally plans to visit the facility next Thursday, with details regarding the visit to be confirmed by all involved parties.