Broadview ICE protest: 5 charged during large demonstration

'This isn't government, it's chaos': Several arrested at Chicago area ICE protest

Protesters on Friday again clashed with law enforcement outside the ICE processing center in west suburban Broadview.

CHICAGO - Five people were charged in a large protest Friday outside the Broadview ICE facility.

Broadview ICE protest

What we know:

The protest marks the fifth consecutive Friday of demonstrations at the suburban Chicago processing center. Early Friday, the scene outside the facility was quiet, with a single police squad car present and new security measures in place, including fencing and concrete barriers at Lexington and Beech streets.

As of 7:30 a.m. dozens of protesters, carrying signs and protective gear, built up along the back entrance to the facility. Illinois State Police in riot gear and Broadview police were among several law enforcement agencies at the scene controlling crowds.

5 charged at protest

At least 12 protesters were seen being handcuffed and taken into custody. Five people were charged, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office:

• Ezra Q. Imes, 27, was arrested by Broadview police and charged with aggravated battery to a police officer.
• Rafael L. Menon, 20, was arrested by Illinois State Police and charged with resisting and obstruction of a peace officer.
• Audrey Gladson, 32, was arrested by Illinois State Police and charged with resisting and obstruction of a peace officer.
• Eman T. Abelhadi, 36, was arrested by Illinois State Police and charged with battery to a police officer and resisting and obstruction of a peace officer.
• Tricia Black was arrested by Illinois State Police and charged with resisting and obstruction of a peace officer.

ICE protest outside Broadview facility draws big crowds

At least a dozen people were arrested as large demonstrations continued Friday outside the Broadview ICE facility.

Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino also made an appearance on the roof of the ICE facility surrounded by armed personnel. An armored truck was also present at the scene.

Protest organizers said the Broadview center is not intended to hold detainees for more than 12 hours at a time, but claim individuals are being deprived of basic necessities such as beds, blankets and access to hygiene facilities. 

Activists also allege ICE has blocked elected officials from inspecting the facility, despite requirements they say are set by law.

ICE agents have used pepper balls, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds of protesters to allow vehicles to enter and exit the facility. Five people were charged in Saturday's demonstrations, including a couple who were reportedly carrying guns.

Big picture view:

The DHS announced Thursday that since launching Operation Midway Blitz on Sept. 8, over 900 people have been arrested in the Chicago area.

Broadview community dealing with ongoing protests a ICE facility | The Chicago Report

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Pritzker calls out Noem

What they're saying:

Pritzker released the following statement early Friday, demanding answers from DHS Sec. Kristi Noem, who is reportedly in the state:

"Federal agents reporting to Secretary Noem have spent weeks snatching up families, scaring law-abiding residents, violating due process rights, and even detaining U.S. citizens. They fail to focus on violent criminals and instead create panic in our communities.  

Secretary Noem should no longer be able to step foot inside the State of Illinois without any form of public accountability. Last time when the secretary was here, she snuck in during the early morning to film social media videos and fled before sunrise. It's been nearly 45 days since Secretary Noem has held an official press conference, so it’s time she faces the public and takes questions from the press to be held accountable for the Trump Administration’s gross misconduct.  

Illinois is not a photo opportunity or warzone, it’s a sovereign state where our people deserve rights, respect, and answers."