Protests erupted Friday morning outside the Broadview Immigration Processing Center after a series of coordinated Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the Chicago area led to dozens of arrests. Activists and local faith leaders gathered in the pre-dawn hours to block buses carrying detainees, chanting “Let them stay” and holding signs calling for an end to mass deportations.
According to ICE officials, the raids targeted individuals with outstanding removal orders and criminal convictions. Advocacy groups, however, argue that several of those detained had no criminal records and were longtime residents with jobs and families, raising concerns about the impact on local communities.
Several demonstrators described a tense standoff with federal agents. Kat Abughazaleh, a candidate for Congress, said: “All of us joined arms, we did not let the van pass. ICE came in and tried to drive the car through us, they almost ran someone over.” She added, “We have no weapons, we have signs and chants and songs. They are treating us like it’s a warzone.”
Evanston Mayor and congressional candidate Daniel Biss called the scene “physically distressing” and accused federal agents of using “excessive force and intimidation tactics, including deploying snipers and documenting protesters.”
The Trump administration has faced criticism over its immigration enforcement strategy. Friday’s events turned the Broadview facility into a renewed rallying point for immigrant rights. Organizers said they will continue protests through the weekend to pressure the White House to halt removals until clearer guidelines are in place.
The post ICE in Chicago with “excessive force and intimidation tactics” appeared first on Salon.com.