Journalists, unions sue ICE, DHS alleging ‘extreme force’ during Broadview detention center protests
BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — Chicago journalists and unions have filed a lawsuit against U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging that the federal government has used “extreme force” against reporters and TV crews during protests in Broadview.
The groups involved in the lawsuit include NABET Local 41, which represents members of ABC7 Chicago and other local TV stations. ABC7 Chicago has been impacted multiple times during protests, with its teams exposed to tear gas and pepper spray balls fired into crowds.
Neither ICE nor DHS have immediately responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.
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The village of Broadview has also taken legal action against ICE and DHS over the fencing surrounding the ICE detention facility. In addition, Broadview officials have launched three criminal investigations into ICE activities at the site.
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### Oak Park Official Describes Alleged Excessive Force
Oak Park Township leaders are speaking out against what they describe as excessive force used by federal agents outside the Broadview ICE facility. Trustee Juan Munoz shared that he was pulled to the ground and briefly detained while observing a protest last Friday.
“Our community values fairness, compassion, and justice,” said Trustee Munoz. “We will continue to stand for those values and call for oversight of any agency that violates them.”
Munoz also reported that those detained were held in poor conditions with limited access to bathrooms. Oak Park leaders vow to continue pushing for greater transparency regarding operations at the facility.
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### Broadview Sets Fixed Protest Hours
On Monday night, Broadview’s mayor explained her decision to establish fixed protest hours outside the ICE facility. This move comes after early morning and late night protests frequently ended in clashes with federal agents.
Mayor Katrina Thompson noted that around 8 p.m. on Saturday, 25th Avenue had to be closed due to protesters attempting to take over Interstate 290.
“I have repeatedly said that I intend to defend the protesters’ constitutionally protected free speech rights. I support their cause,” Thompson stated. “But the repeated clashes with ICE agents in our town are causing enormous disruptions in the quality of life for my residents, whose rights I have taken an oath to protect. We live here. Our residents live here and deserve dignity and respect.”
Protests have taken place almost daily outside the ICE facility on Beach Street, and according to Thompson, the ongoing demonstrations have negatively impacted the community. She addressed these concerns during the recent Broadview Board of Trustees meeting.
“The repeated clashes with ICE agents are creating an environment disrupting the quality of life of those who live and work here,” Thompson said.
In response, Mayor Thompson signed an executive order setting fixed protest hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in two designated zones near the facility.
Her goal, she explained, is to ensure the safety of residents while protecting the free speech rights of protesters, many of whom do not live in the village.
“When they leave Broadview, guess where they get to go back? To a safe, calm environment. When they’re out here, we have to live with the trauma and drama that’s created — that none of us can control,” said Thompson.
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### Community Response
Several protesters attended the board meeting, speaking out against the executive order.
“This order, though well-intentioned, goes too far. It cuts off one of our most basic constitutional rights: the right to speak and assemble freely,” one speaker said.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has stated that it will review the executive order to determine whether it impacts First Amendment rights.
Regarding enforcement of the new protest hours, Mayor Thompson said it remains to be seen whether protesters will adhere to the order.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-journalists-nabet-local-41-file-lawsuit-ice-dhs-alleging-extreme-force-during-broadview-protests-facility/17950793/
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