CHICAGO (AP) — Authorities arrested 21 protesters Friday outside a Chicago-area federal immigration facility that activists say functions as a de facto detention center and is plagued by inhumane conditions. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrests were made by midday while they were in the process of verifying identities and potential charges.
The demonstration saw protesters singing and chanting, with around 300 attendees who had anticipated the arrests. Many participants carried signs with messages like “God’s Love Knows No Borders” and “God Demands Freedom,” while some also engaged in prayer.
Law enforcement from Illinois State Police and Cook County sheriff’s police were present at the scene.
The Broadview facility has consistently been a focal point for protests, especially on Fridays, against a federal immigration crackdown known as “Operation Midway Blitz.” This initiative has led to more than 3,200 arrests in the Chicago metropolitan area since September, targeting individuals suspected of violating immigration laws.
The aggressive tactics employed by agents from Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have faced significant criticism, leading to both legal challenges and heightened scrutiny through street protests.
The demonstration saw protesters singing and chanting, with around 300 attendees who had anticipated the arrests. Many participants carried signs with messages like “God’s Love Knows No Borders” and “God Demands Freedom,” while some also engaged in prayer.
Law enforcement from Illinois State Police and Cook County sheriff’s police were present at the scene.
The Broadview facility has consistently been a focal point for protests, especially on Fridays, against a federal immigration crackdown known as “Operation Midway Blitz.” This initiative has led to more than 3,200 arrests in the Chicago metropolitan area since September, targeting individuals suspected of violating immigration laws.
The aggressive tactics employed by agents from Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have faced significant criticism, leading to both legal challenges and heightened scrutiny through street protests.
