ICE Evacuation in Chicago Suburb Sparks Outrage Amid Immigration Crackdown
- Natalie Frank
- Sep 21
- 1 min read
Federal agents face growing backlash as protests escalate outside Broadview detention center
Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D September 21, 2025
CHICAGO - CHICAGO, IL - Federal immigration officials are preparing to evacuate detainees and equipment from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center in suburban Broadview, after escalating protests over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy. Internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documents reviewed by HuffPost revealed the relocation plan, which comes amid growing clashes between demonstrators and federal agents.
The Broadview facility has become a new flashpoint in the national fight over deportations. On Friday, protesters said they were met with smoke gas and plastic bullets as they tried to block vans they believed were moving detainees for removal. Several described being arrested, and immigrant rights groups called the response excessive.
The number of people currently detained in Broadview hasn’t been disclosed, but the abrupt decision to shift operations highlights the ad hoc nature of ICE’s presence in Chicago and other cities. Critics say the agency lacks the infrastructure to both manage detainees humanely and deal with the surge of organized opposition.
Chicago, a Democratic stronghold, has long been a target of former President Donald Trump’s pledge to expand deportations and take a tough-on-crime approach. DHS has not yet commented publicly on the facility’s status or the relocation timeline.
