Federal officers at ICE’s Broadview Processing Center faced yet another volatile scene Friday as demonstrators turned violent in an effort to block immigration enforcement. What began as weekly protests escalated into outright riots, with agitators throwing fireworks, bottles, rocks, and tear gas canisters at law enforcement, cutting vehicle tires, trespassing on secured property, and attempting to shut down facility operations.

ICE reports that assaults on its personnel have skyrocketed—over a 1,000% increase—as agents continue to carry out arrests of dangerous offenders across Illinois. Despite repeated calls for help, local police under Governor JB Pritzker’s sanctuary directives refused to respond, leaving federal officers to restore order on their own. Sixteen rioters were ultimately arrested, several for assaulting law enforcement.

Officials made clear that those being held at Broadview are not harmless migrants, but convicted criminals with long records of violence, drug trafficking, and repeat DUI offenses.

“These are violent offenders—domestic abusers, drug dealers, drunk drivers—being detained inside Broadview,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Governor Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson should explain why they’re siding with rioters and shielding criminals instead of standing with law-abiding citizens. Our agents are out there every day risking their safety to make Illinois communities safer, and they deserve support—not interference.”

Examples of offenders detained during the unrest include:

• Salvador Alcantar-Alcantar — Mexico; prior arrests for DUI, trespassing, and assault.
• Alberto Algeria Barron — Mexico; deported in 2014, later convicted twice for domestic battery.
• Carlos Eduardo Chavez-Cardenas — Bolivia; convicted of DUI and drug possession.
• Erwin Jose Roa-Mustafa — Dominican Republic; pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute narcotics, also convicted of fentanyl trafficking.
• Ibis Alberto Testa Nunez — Mexico; arrested by DEA for cocaine possession with intent to distribute.
• Andres Ventura-Uvaldo — Mexico; arrested for felony DUI and domestic violence.

ICE leadership stressed that their mission is clear: enforce federal immigration law, remove violent offenders from U.S. communities, and keep operations secure despite political obstruction and mob violence. The Broadview facility remains fully operational, and agents continue to carry out their duties with professionalism in the face of hostility.

Protesters rally outside Broadview ICE facility for 4th straight week

Dozens of protesters rallied outside the Broadview ICE processing facility on Friday.

Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson has warned that use of the facility could last 45 days and might disrupt nearby businesses and emergency routes. 

As of Friday morning, the latest demonstration remained peaceful, though some protesters were moving along the street in an apparent effort to get closer to the building despite the fence.