Protesters Clash with Authorities at ICE Building in Broadview, Chicago

Thu Oct 23 2025 16:01:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Tensions escalated outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, as demonstrators attempted to block vehicles, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.

On Friday, protesters gathered outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Broadview, Illinois, to express their opposition to recent immigration enforcement measures. The demonstration turned confrontational when authorities used a chemical agent to disperse the gathered crowd. Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton voiced support for the protesters, asserting that local leaders would continue to resist the federal crackdown targeting immigrant communities. This event follows a recent ICE operation aimed at traffic stops within immigrant-heavy neighborhoods.

BROADVIEW, Ill. (AP) — Demonstrators clashed with authorities outside a federal immigration enforcement facility in Broadview, Illinois, on Friday in a protest against recent immigration actions.

The protest occurred at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building situated approximately 12 miles west of Chicago, where dozens of participants gathered, bearing American flags and signs reading Hands off Chicago. In the ensuing confrontation, some protesters were arrested as law enforcement used a chemical agent to disperse the crowd.

They want us to be afraid, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton stated at the protest, referencing the Trump administration’s policies. We’re not going to let that happen.

The protest coincides with ICE's new operation focusing on traffic stops in predominantly immigrant and Latino neighborhoods, sparking heightened tensions in the community. Chicago City Council member Andre Vasquez likened the chemical agent to tear gas, a little pepper spray, a little mix of both.

The Broadview site serves as a temporary holding facility for immigrants before they are detained or deported, with windows blocked off and a history of protests from various community groups, including vigils led by local religious figures.

As immigrant arrests surge, activists and local leaders have pledged to resist government actions, rallying around community safety and awareness after a recent incident involving a fatality linked to an immigration officer. Authorities reported pursuing an individual who allegedly had a history of reckless driving and entered the country unlawfully.