Federal Agents Act After Protests at Chicago Immigration Facility
BROADVIEW, Ill. – Federal agents took action Friday near an immigration facility outside Chicago, a site that has seen frequent protests.
The events unfolded as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem met with employees inside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility in Broadview. A crowd gathered outside, and some became agitated by new barriers set up to separate them from law enforcement officers.
Secretary Noem also joined agents on an operation near a local Walmart store.
In recent weeks, some protesters have tried to block vehicles from entering or leaving the area, part of a growing opposition to increased immigration enforcement. Federal agents have used crowd control measures in response, and several people have faced federal charges after being arrested during clashes.
Local law enforcement increased its presence at the facility, located about 12 miles west of Chicago. Several streets were closed and patrolled by Illinois State Police officers. Concrete barriers were put in place to create designated protest areas.
It was unclear how many individuals were detained Friday.
Governor JB Pritzker has criticized the Trump administration, claiming federal agents have mistreated protesters.
Pritzker stated that the new “unified command” will manage crowds while protecting protesters’ right to free speech.
Noem, along with Gregory Bovino of the U.S. Border Patrol, appeared on the Broadview building’s roof, surrounded by agents.
A video showed protesters being detained in a parking lot while Noem spoke of “consequences for breaking the law.”
Some demonstrators expressed frustration with the designated protest zone, arguing that it violated their First Amendment rights. Many chose to protest outside of the designated area.
Others voiced concern over local and state officers working alongside federal agents.
