* Yesterday…
Cook County and state law enforcement agencies are using barricades to set up “designated protest areas” around a federal facility used to process detained immigrants in suburban Broadview to address public safety concerns.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement site, 1930 Beach Street, has become the center of recurring protests since President Donald Trump in early September launched “Operation Midway Blitz,” an aggressive deportation campaign in the Chicago area.
Barricades will be placed on each side of Beach Street, from Lexington Street to nearly the silver wire fence that the feds erected Sept. 23 across Beach Street, to keep protesters off the roadway and to allow vehicles to pass through.
* Today…
Tense moments, sometimes chaotic, erupted but failed to develop into anything more violent as scores of armed law enforcement officers stood by outside the Broadview ICE facility Friday as a handful of protesters were arrested.
Tear gas, pellets or other chemical substances have not been used as of midday though federal agents have previously used them against protesters after President Donald Trump in early September launched “Operation Midway Blitz,” an aggressive deportation campaign in the Chicago area. […]
“Are you proud of yourself?” One protester asked a state trooper. “No, I’m not,” the state trooper responded as he moved two shouting protesters off of the roadway.
* Unified Command (ISP, CCSO and Broadview PD) update on Broadview protest arrests…
There have been five arrests on Friday, Oct. 3, of individuals involved in protests in Broadview around the facility being used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As of 10:55 a.m.:
• Ezra Q. Imes, 27, Charged with Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer, Arresting Agency: Broadview Police.
• Rafael L. Menon, 20, Charged with Resisting and Obstruction, Arresting Agency: Illinois State Police.
• Audrey J. Gladson, 32, Charged with Resisting and Obstruction, Arresting Agency: Illinois State Police.
• Eman T. Abdelhadi, 36, Charged with Battery to a Police Officer, Resisting and Obstruction, Arresting Agency: Illinois State Police.
• Tricia Black, Charged with Resisting and Obstruction, Arresting Agency: Illinois State Police.
* Some videos…
A riot team from ISP is here with helmets and batons.
Free speech protected.
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— unraveled (@unraveledpress.com) October 3, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Crowd chanting, "lick them boots! Lick them boots!" at ISP.
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— unraveled (@unraveledpress.com) October 3, 2025 at 8:04 AM
ISP have forced people out of the road (never heard a dispersal warning).
ISP have forced people out of the road (never heard a dispersal warning).
Some kind of ISP SWAT unit here now, too.
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— unraveled (@unraveledpress.com) October 3, 2025 at 7:33 AM
* From a pal: “That feeling when you’ve lost Nomadic Warriors for Pritzker”…
* Heh…
* From Gov. Pritzker…
Federal agents are acting with impunity at the direction of President Trump. In addition to their inhumane tactics on immigration enforcement, they have grossly mishandled and incited tensions at the Broadview facility. This includes firing chemical agents at protesters and media, arresting a reporter, slamming people to the ground, and wreaking havoc on Broadview residents and nearby businesses.
It was clear that federal agents were using violent tactics when confronting protestors, anonymously and with impunity. Their widespread use of chemical agents has impacted protesters, media, local law enforcement, nearby residents and people detained inside of the facility.
The members of the Unified Command are trained in crowd control and how to create an environment where people can peacefully express their First Amendment rights. They show their faces, they have proper identification, and they are accountable to the people of Illinois. It is clear federal agents cannot be trusted to act to protect the safety and constitutional rights of the public. The Unified Command will prioritize public safety above all else and take steps to safeguard the First Amendment rights of the public.”
BACKGROUND: About the Unified Command:
The Unified Command was established to ensure people could peacefully protest, protect residents and businesses in Broadview, and ensure that third parties that need access to the facility – including attorneys and legal representatives, people bringing medicine to detainees, and representatives from foreign consulates – can maintain clear points of access to the facility.
Thoughts?
…Adding… If the idea was to prevent clashes between ICE and others, it may be working in Broadview, but they appear to be a stubborn lot…
I realize it probably wasn't @govpritzker.illinois.gov's intent — but it appears that by providing state police to Broadview, it freed up more militarized ICE units to go tear gas people in neighborhoods.
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— Christopher Whitaker (@civicwhitaker.com) October 3, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Video is here.
…Adding… I’ve asked the governor’s office why these officers are masked, but have not heard back…
…Adding… The governor’s office responded…
Illinois State Police wear uniforms and badge numbers that are clear and identifiable. When state and local police departments coordinate with each other, they still adhere to their department’s protocols. We understand that some local law enforcement use face coverings when the federal government may disperse chemical agents.
- jimbo - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 12:37 pm:
I literally posted this in the morning news thread as this article was apparently posting:
I don’t think having ISP detaining multiple protesters within just hours of the ‘unified command’ instead of the Feds doing it is the look that Pritzker wants for 2028 unless I’m missing something.
- Try Again - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 12:39 pm:
== They show their faces, they have proper identification, and they are accountable to the people of Illinois. It is clear federal agents cannot be trusted to act to protect the safety and constitutional rights of the public. ==
While all fair points on the federal agents, making ISP accountable for the (reasonable) outrage regarding ICE will only reduce trust in local Police while ISP officers get (understandably) annoyed with the Governor using both sides of his mouth. Our leaders need to level with the public and admit there is no real mechanism to stop any of this.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 12:41 pm:
===is the look that Pritzker wants for 2028===
It’s 2025.
- TNR - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 12:44 pm:
== (don’t think) it is the look that Pritzker wants for 2028 unless I’m missing something. ==
I suppose that’s true from strictly a political viewpoint. But the governor also has an obligation to maintain peace and public order in the state. Someone was going to get killed out there under the status quo. I, for one, am glad he’s put political considerations aside and is just doing his job.
- Steve - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 12:47 pm:
This is a very difficult situation. You have federalism. You have the supremacy of enforcing federal immigration law. You have the federal and state government not on the same page.
- jolietj - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 12:51 pm:
Good way to pre-empt federal troops. Can’t do nothing.
- Juvenal - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 12:59 pm:
Reports on BlueSky, complete with photos, are that ICE went into the ISP-designated “Free Speech Zone” and assaulted and detained both journalists and protesters.
Also, multiple reports that DHS Secretary Noem was present and watched the whole show put on by Pritzker and ICE today.
I expect we’ll hear from Noem and Trump that Pritzker finally caved, but needs to do more.
I realize it is only 2025, but Pritzker’s hopes of being a Presidential candidate are done. He will never live this down.
- Benniefly2 - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 1:00 pm:
It is 2025, but stuff like this may eventually get him a nuisance primary challenger that basically goes:
Both of us agree on most issues, but
1) I am not a billionaire;
2) I will not run for President mid-term; and
3) I will not send ISP after people protesting dubious federal actions.
- Original Rambler - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 1:06 pm:
Agree with TNR. JB in a no win situation here. Hope at least on the ground there is SOME dialogue between ICE and the ISP.
On another note, that fixed long gun on the roof is just wrong. This intimidation and chaos is a feature, not a bug. And we’re not even a year into this.
- BE - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 1:17 pm:
I hear that Noem was there on the roof as well. Really ‘brave’. She will probably have a tiktok about the mean protestors soon.
Is the stuff in the quoted bluesky post the smoke bomb throwing at 51st and Damen?
- Friendly Bob Adams - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 1:29 pm:
I think the sending in the ISP may be a good move. Having regular uniforms and no masks is a good thing. Maybe they will be treated better than ICE has been treating Broadview police.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 1:40 pm:
I am on the side of the demonstrators politically, but not their tactics. Obstructing ICE by yelling profanities and blocking traffic does not win over people to your side. The ISP is needed to try to keep some semblance of peace while ICE is doing their legal job, however awful I find it.
The best demonstrations aren’t always the loudest and most disruptive. ICE has a job to do, and sadly they need ISP’s assistance, as does Broadview. There are more effective ways for the demonstrators to make their point.
- DuPage Saint - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 1:43 pm:
When I heard the Governor was sending in State Troopers I thought it was a good idea. I thought it was to protect the protesters from ICE. I was there this week I was told ICE would harass people just observing even taking their water. The protesters have issues with ICE not state troopers but no trooper should be masked. And I do not understand how ICE could board up all windows in the building that has to be against fire and safety standards
- Leslie K - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 1:45 pm:
There are many more important points here, but why is Paris Shutz using a photo of apparent protesters to claim that ISP is masked?
- Think again - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 1:56 pm:
=Guns =
Just last week a sniper opened fire on a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement location in Dallas resulting in the deaths of two detainees. The Feds and LEO’s at the Broadview facility should be ready for any contingency so the long guns seem warranted.
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:04 pm:
This show Pritzker’s leadership. While not necessarily popular with the protesters, he is taking actions to keep people safe, and to have his law enforcement officers on site also allows them to document bad actions by the feds.
- ChaosEnsued - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:10 pm:
Any word from the Hispanic caucus? Their leadership has been lacking through all this.
- BE - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:16 pm:
Ah, the Rico Fresh tear gassing, probably.
–
==There are more effective ways for the demonstrators to make their point.==
Oh, how so? And profanities should be fine, since the president himself is okay with using them in professional situations.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:17 pm:
I oppose ICE and Trump, but I don’t think I agree with the demonstrators politically. It seems like the usual suspects of left wing extremists trying to attach themselves to mostly legitimate outrage but for their own selfish ends.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:26 pm:
===Oh, how so?===
I’ve posted this before and still think it’s the better approach.
https://uusalem.org/opinion/peter-coyote-on-protest/
The most powerful antiwar demonstration was not the Days of Rage, but rather the girls putting flowers in the barrels of the national guardsmen’s rifles.
But please, go ahead and throw rocks and hurl expletives. You be you.
- Stephanie Kollmann - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:29 pm:
The governor using force against his own constituents before using the law against the federal agents assaulting and terrorizing them is a terrible choice, one that people will remember.
- Norseman - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:29 pm:
I think what JB did was necessary. Need to counter Trump narrative that Guard is needed to protect the secret police. ISP also more restrained. What I would like to see is for an ISP commander to tell Bovino and his goons to stay on their side of the street.
- DarkestBeforeDawn - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:36 pm:
==The governor using force against his own constituents before using the law against the federal agents assaulting and terrorizing them is a terrible choice, one that people will remember.==
Yes. I was keen on the idea of a potential 2028 run for Pritzker before this but now I am rethinking. State violence is state violence, regardless of which party calls in the armed/masked agents.
- pc - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:36 pm:
I think this is a disaster for Pritzker if he doesn’t alter course soon. Yes, it’s just 2025, but Democrats will have lots of second-best/compromised/centrist candidates to choose from in the 2028 primary — up until today, Pritzker wasn’t one of those.
- pc - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:37 pm:
also, what Stephanie said
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:45 pm:
===Yes, it’s just 2025===
And it will remain that way for two more months.
- JS Mill - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:46 pm:
I totally agree with 247th and Norseman. This is a smart move, if the protesters were more clear eyed about what the governor seems to be trying to accomplish they would realize that the ISP is there to be a buffer from the over the top ICE behavior.
The governor cannot control ICE. He cannot control trump and his cabral of fascist sycophants. Very publicly sending in the ISP, a far more professional law enforcement agency with historically high standards may deny the feds of a of (what would be a flimsy at best) reason to send in military troops.
- Excitable Boy - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:49 pm:
- The most powerful antiwar demonstration was not the Days of Rage, but rather the girls putting flowers in the barrels of the national guardsmen’s rifles. -
These protests are nothing like the Days of Rage. Also this isn’t a protest of a foreign war, it’s a demonstration against federal agents terrorizing and committing acts of violence on citizens and non-citizens alike.
- Original Rambler - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:50 pm:
Much respect SK but what will be the option for these people who will be remembering this decision? And what law is he supposed to be enforcing against these federal agents who at least ostensibly are doing their jobs at their facility? I like Norseman’s suggestion.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 2:53 pm:
===The most powerful antiwar demonstration was not the Days of Rage===
That protest was an almost complete bust.
- EP1082 - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 3:22 pm:
Have to agree with Pritzker on this. He was between a rock and a hard place. He does nothing and protestor get’s killed that won’t be good for him. He does nothing and fed get’s killed that won’t be good either. Now he sends in ISP and something bad happens he can say he provided officers and blame it on someone else.
- H-W - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 3:29 pm:
=== “Are you proud of yourself?” One protester asked a state trooper. “No, I’m not,” the state trooper responded. ===
Good bless these two Illinoisans for confronting the bigger issue instead of fighting each other. Restraint is a condition of any freedom.
- Trinity - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 3:30 pm:
I’m all for free speech. What I’m not for are agitators who make life harder for detainees. Now people are being detained in other states, while these “protestors” have turned it into a show about themselves.
And let’s be real: local candidates like Kat and Demi live for the cameras. They post pics for clout and fundraisers even though neither has ever done immigration work. Operation Swingstate, where Demi was involved didn’t even canvass Latino neighborhoods but somehow they get the accolades.
If folks really want to help, they should be working with neighborhood orgs. They need volunteers to get groceries, pick up kids, fill prescriptions, and support families who can’t leave home. That’s how we beat ICE by building real community, not chasing headlines.
- Humbug - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 4:00 pm:
Kat A. has only lived in Illinois for a matter of months, so she is grandstanding to raise her political profile. Hopefully, voters in the 9th CD will see through this carpetbagger.
- H-W - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 4:13 pm:
@ Trinity
You are of course right about this immigration fear. Working with neighborhood orgs. makes sense for those in the Southside. Sox fans, right?
What can the rest of us do to guarantee amnesty immigrants the same rights as citizens (which the Constitution does address affirmatively) when in fact, the Gov’t redefined amnesty conditions which they had previously signed assent.
At that point, we signed a contract. Dr. King said this government signed a contract a hundred years prior, and now his people (Christians) were “‘here to collect’ at the March on Washington speech.
Citizens are the same as people registered with the government. That the federal government quits the conditions of the contract does not negate the contract. That is for the legal system to decide, right?
The Constitution grants full faith and credit upon any contract it legally signs. Whether it legal warrants or stop and frisk (back in vogue), etc., Full Faith and Credit was signed when the immigration agent allowed entry.
To deny hearings is unconstitutional - end of story. Let us know what we can do to help a hundred miles away, to grant equality before the law.
- Norseman - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 4:16 pm:
=== “That feeling when you’ve lost Nomadic Warriors for Pritzker” ===
The nation is feeling what happens when you have a party filled with factions that bail on the overall good guys when they disagree with any of their positions. I say good riddance to the s$%@ posters.
- Excitable Boy - Friday, Oct 3, 25 @ 4:21 pm:
- what happens when you have a party filled with factions that bail on the overall good guys when they disagree with any of their positions. I say good riddance to the s$%@ posters. -
The mighty Khan likely can handle a bit of criticism once in a while. Take a breath.