ICE Chicago Operation Midway Blitz: Tensions remain high with Broadview protesters as future of immigration facility uncertain
There was some movement Sunday in and out of the immigration facility in Broadview as there is growing uncertainty about the future of the location.
The video in the player above is from a previous report.
ABC7 crews saw some buses and vehicles come and go, and that's where tensions started to escalate between protesters and the armed guards. ABC7 also saw guards on the roof fire off what appeared to be pepper bullets in an attempt to push the crowd back from the gate.
Tensions remained high at the ICE Processing Center in Broadview Sunday night as families of detainees received word that their loved ones may be moved to another location.
One woman, who did not want to be identified, said she received a call from the facility about her father who was detained earlier this week.
"They called us at 6 p.m. and told us to bring him something, because they're all leaving, and they're either getting sent to Wisconsin or Michigan or Texas," she said. "They're telling him he has to wait two months for court... two months in Texas and then he'll get deported... instead of self-deporting because, he just wants to self deport, but they're not letting him."
RELATED | Arrests made as protesters clash with ICE at Broadview facility, DHS says
That comes as speculation is growing about how long operations may continue at this facility after protests escalated here earlier this week.
The Department of Homeland Security shared a statement Sunday night, saying in part "Any allegations that ICE Broadview Processing Center is temporarily closing is FALSE... Secretary Noem's message to rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE will continue to enforce the law."
One man organizing the protests, Stephen Paul Beyer, says they're trying to maintain the peace with a message of solidarity.
"The families coming into visit it has been heartbreaking to see them we've really been trying to stay out of the way so the families when they come get a chance to see when their loved ones are taking out," Beyer said.
There are also concerns from families about the conditions their loved ones are enduring at the facility.
"He said they were sleeping on the floor he was handcuffed for about 12 hours and he said there was 150 people in one room at some point," the detainee's daughter said.
DHS said federal enforcement has arrested 16 protesters so far this week during some of the escalations that were seen.
The crowd remained calm Sunday night as ABC7 saw vehicles continue to come and go from the facility.
DHS issued the following full statement:
"Any allegations that ICE Broadview Processing Center is temporarily closing is FALSE. Since Friday, rioters and sanctuary politicians have obstructed and assaulted law enforcement. These rioters have thrown tear gas cans, rocks, bottles, and fireworks at law enforcement, slashed tires of cars, blocked the entrance of the building, and trespassed on private property.
"Police under JB Pritzker's sanctuary jurisdiction refused to answer multiple calls for assistance. So far, federal law enforcement arrested 16 rioters.
"Secretary Noem's message to rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
In response, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's officer issued the following statement:
"The media needs to use extreme caution before reporting what the Trump Administration is saying given their record of lies, lack of transparency, and failure to coordinate with the state and local law enforcement. It's completely false to suggest the state or local municipalities have been obstructing federal officials. The state has not received multiple calls for assistance from the federal government and would remind them the importance of coordinating with local law enforcement to protect public safety. Governor Pritzker has been clear that violence is unacceptable and everyone needs to follow the law, which includes federal agents respecting constitutional rights to peaceful protest."
Cook County and the village of Broadview so far have not requested assistance from the state of Illinois, sources told ABC7.
