Broadview ICE protest zones shrink under new mayor executive order

New space restrictions placed on Broadview ICE protests

Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson announced Monday that the village is shrinking designated protest zones outside its ICE facility following a chaotic weekend demonstration that led to 15 arrests.

BROADVIEW, Ill. - Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson announced Monday that the village is shrinking designated protest zones outside its ICE facility following a chaotic weekend demonstration that led to 15 arrests.

What we know:

Thompson said the protests at the ICE facility "degenerated into chaos," adding that 10 of those arrested were "around the age of my own daughter."

"As a mother and a mayor, I am mad at what happened," Thompson said in a statement. "Broadview didn’t choose to have the ICE facility in our community. But it’s here. And so are Broadview residents."

Under a new executive order signed by Thompson, demonstrations will now be limited to the safety zone located directly at the ICE facility on Beach Street. The previous protest area on South 25th Avenue between Lexington and Fillmore has been eliminated.

What they're saying:

Thompson said the decision was made in consultation with the Illinois State Police and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

"It has been only God’s grace alone that a protester has not been struck and killed by a motorist on 25th Avenue given how frequently protesters dash onto this busy, four-lane street," Thompson said.

3 arrested at protest outside ICE facility in Chicago suburb

ISP says three people were arrested Friday at a morning protest outside the ICE processing center in Broadview.

While reaffirming her support for peaceful demonstrations, Thompson condemned violent behavior at recent protests and said her top priority remains protecting residents and first responders.

"I respect, support, and defend the protesters’ free and – peaceful – speech against the outrageous injustices and deplorable unprovoked chemical arms attacks by ICE agents against American citizens, journalists, and ministers that put Broadview police and firefighters in harms’ way," she said.

A group called the Coalition Against Broadview ICE Facility said it rejects Thompson's order and argued it diminishes the voice of protesters.

"The Mayor knows that Friday and Saturday is our highest participation of activist that comes to protest in solidarity with us," the group said in a statement. "It is highly offensive and disappointing that the mayor talks about public safety but has reduced our space to protest."

Dig deeper:

On Friday, U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth visited the area outside the Broadview facility. Both said their requests to tour the inside were ignored by DHS officials.

Durbin said he has visited the facility several times over its 19-year history and had never been denied access until now.