Broadview ICE center to remain open as DHS disputes closure rumors amid ongoing protests

Broadview ICE center to remain open as DHS disputes closure rumors

The Broadview ICE facility is open, despite reports that it would be closed. Department of Homeland Security officials warned anyone trying to interfere will be prosecuted.

BROADVIEW, Ill. - Federal officials said Sunday that the Broadview ICE processing center will stay open, rejecting reports that the suburban Chicago facility would shut down after weeks of escalating protests.

Broadview ICE center to remain open

What we know:

"Any allegations that ICE Broadview Processing Center is temporarily closing is FALSE," Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of public affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement. 

McLaughlin said "rioters and sanctuary politicians" 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," adding that 16 people have been arrested and warning that anyone who assaults officers "will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The clarification followed a HuffPost report, later corrected, that cited internal DHS communications suggesting the site might be evacuated. Immigration rights groups, including the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, vowed to continue their campaign to close the facility, calling it a "de-facto detention center" and accusing ICE of "gross human rights violations."

ICE protesters tear gassed outside suburban Chicago facility

Federal agents shot pellet guns and deployed tear gas on a crowd of protesters Friday morning gathering outside the Broadview ICE processing center.

Meanwhile, families of detainees are coming here to get information about loved ones and it has not been easy.

Christopher Gomez has been at the Broadview ICE facility daily, trying to find his brother, 30-year-old Louis Rey Gomez. His brother was detained last Thursday while driving a work van in Cicero.

"I came to check on my brother today. This has been more than 48 hours, more than two days. I was here yesterday. It was closed. Today, there was no information," Christopher Gomez said.

He got a one-minute phone call from his brother, who decided to self-deport.

Gomez said he was heartbroken. 

"He signed the papers to voluntarily be deported, and I think that’s the best situation at this moment."

Getting information from agents at the Broadview ICE facility has been made more challenging when volatile protests are going on outside.

The Broadview center has become a flashpoint for activists and federal agents. On Friday, protesters clashed with officers for hours outside 1930 Beach St., where agents fired pepper balls and released tear gas to disperse crowds. 

Several demonstrators were arrested, including one woman seen on video being thrown to the ground and handcuffed.

Despite the confrontations and repeated calls from organizers to shut it down, DHS officials said ICE "will continue to enforce the law" and keep the Broadview operation running.