The Nerd Stash
Chicago Immigration Protester Shares Video of Her Arrest Outside ICE Facility: …
A Chicago activist posted footage of her arrest at an ICE site in Broadview, saying she joined others to protest the ongoing deportations.
347
17k
1k
74k
Activists Confront ICE in Broadview, Calling for End to Deportations
Activists Confront ICE in Broadview, Calling for End to Deportations BROADVIEW, IL – Activist and lawyer Rachel Cohen was among several individuals arrested yesterday during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations at 1930 Beach Street in Broadview, a Chicago suburb. The protest aimed to disrupt the weekly deportations of immigrants from the facility, which activists claim is being used illegally as a detention and staging ground, violating Illinois state law. Ms. Cohen, who documented her experience, stated, "Illinois law prohibits use of state and local facilities for ICE detention but that isn't stopping them, so we have to." She added that ICE moved its operations to Broadview after protests in Chicago city limits largely chased them out. Broadview, not being a sanctuary city, sees local police cooperating with ICE. The facility at 1930 Beach Street is reportedly used every Friday morning from 7 to 9 AM to load detained individuals into vans for out-of-state deportation. Ms. Cohen and other protesters blocked vehicles, leading to their arrests. She emphasized the alleged inhumane conditions within the facility, citing reports that detainees are denied basic necessities like beds, blankets, and hygiene products, and that members of Congress were denied entry to investigate. Ms. Cohen urged public action, stating, "I know the right answer cannot be to do nothing." She encouraged community members to participate in protests, contact state-level elected officials and the Attorney General to enforce the law, and support those risking arrest. She highlighted the role of organizations like the National Lawyers Guild in providing legal support for activists. The protest also saw a pastor attempting to pray for the detained, who was reportedly dragged away by ICE instead of being arrested by police.
