Clashes between protesters and ICE resulted in arrests at the Broadview facility, DHS confirms
In a tense standoff between protesters and federal law enforcement agents, demonstrations outside the Broadview ICE processing facility in Chicago took a dramatic turn on Friday evening.
The day began peacefully, with Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton among those attending the demonstration, but events quickly escalated. Federal law enforcement agents launched tear gas into the crowd, causing a South Side pastor and two candidates for Illinois' 9th District congressional seat, Daniel Biss and Kat Abughazaleh, to be overcome by the gas.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that rioters assaulted law enforcement, threw tear gas cans, slashed tires of cars, blocked the entrance of the building, and trespassed on private property. In response, agents on the detention centre's rooftop used paintball guns to fire pepper spray pellets at protesters.
Several arrests took place throughout the day, with at least five by Friday night and at least one more person being detained on Friday afternoon. Two demonstrators were also detained by ICE agents.
The ACLU of Illinois issued a statement, stating that protesters have a right to make their voices heard, but actions such as obstructing or limiting government employees from entering or leaving a building are not protected by the Constitution.
The violence did not go unnoticed, with Elgin Community College Faculty Association President Dan Kernler expressing concern over an ICE arrest at the college. Meanwhile, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who led the immigration crackdown in Los Angeles, was on the ground in Broadview on Friday.
Amidst the chaos, one protester, Bryan Brannon, was hospitalized after being hit with pepper spray. A woman was also shot with a paintball gun at close range and was placed in handcuffs in the afternoon.
Ana, a woman searching for answers, was left distraught after her partner was taken into custody by ICE on Thursday. ABC7 reached out to ICE for comment on the student allegedly detained in Elgin but have not heard back. ICE spokesperson defended the agents' actions, citing an increase in assaults against them.
Organizers plan to demonstrate weekly at the boarded up facility as long as "Operation Midway Blitz" is underway, highlighting the ongoing tension between protesters and federal authorities.
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