Cook County and state law enforcement are implementing barricades to establish “designated protest areas” near a federal immigration facility in Broadview, addressing rising public safety concerns due to ongoing protests. The facility, located at 1930 Beach Street, has recently been the focal point of demonstrations sparked by President Donald Trump’s September announcement of “Operation Midway Blitz,” an extensive deportation initiative in the Chicago vicinity.
Barricades will be set up along Beach Street, stretching from Lexington Street to just before a silver wire fence that was put in place by federal authorities on September 23. This move is designed to keep protesters away from the roadway while ensuring that vehicle access remains uninterrupted.
The Cook County sheriff’s office explained that the barricades aim to “protect the health and safety of all individuals, including nearby Broadview residents and businesses, and enable the peaceful expression of First Amendment rights.” However, it remains unclear if these measures were coordinated with federal officials, as they had not responded to inquiries.
Historically, the facility has operated as a makeshift detention center, although that was never its intended purpose. Protests have often escalated, with demonstrators attempting to obstruct ICE vehicles. In the past, these encounters have led to the use of rubber pellets and chemical agents, which Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson has indicated pose risks to local residents and first responders.
Recent incidents highlight the tension, including two ICE agents chasing protesters into a nearby yard, causing damage to property and leaving evidence of the confrontation. Adjacent businesses, like Reveal Interiors, have proactively erected barriers to limit the impact of protests on their operations.
Following requests from the Broadview Police Department, the new barricade initiative is unfolding in coordination with various agencies, including the Illinois State Police and the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security. Local law enforcement will be present to guide protesters to designated areas and maintain clear access for authorized individuals, such as attorneys and medical workers.
On Thursday evening, the protest remained largely peaceful, with state troopers and local officers engaging with demonstrators. As the evening progressed, approximately half of the protest area had been barricaded, indicating an ongoing effort to enhance safety around the ICE processing center. Community activists, along with political candidates, are expected to gather outside the facility Friday morning for a press event, further underscoring the community’s active involvement in this contentious issue.