4 arrested at Broadview protests; DOJ files for stay of ruling blocking National Guard deployments
A judge has ordered the removal of a fence surrounding the Broadview ICE facility by Tuesday night.
BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) -- At least four people were arrested after scuffles during protests near the concrete barricades around the Broadview U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Friday.
Late Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice filed for an immediate stay of the 7th Circuit of U.S. District Judge April Perry's ruling issuing a temporary restraining order in the Illinois case about the National guard deployments.
The TRO blocks federal troops from deploying in Illinois, which was expected to to include National Guard members being stationed at the Broadview ICE facility to assist federal agents.
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Three people were arrested by Illinois State Police. Officials later said a fourth person was arrested by Cook County Sheriff's police.
Those arrested are charged with resisting and obstruction, the Cook County Sheriff's Office said.
ISP troopers could be seen in riot gear, holding the line as some demonstrators shouted expletives at law enforcement.
"It's very scary to be out here. I have a gas mask in my pocket, I have water. This hole here is from a rubber bullet that was shot a couple of weeks ago," said demonstrator Dorian Breuer.
Earlier Friday morning, Christians came together near 25th and Harvard to pray and share communion as the Department of Homeland Security's "Operation Midway Blitz" continues.
"I think Jesus would be right here, right here on the front lines, saying, 'No, this must stop. This is wrong,'" said Park Ridge Community Church Rev. Carol Hill.
Faith leaders joined in prayer and worship at the communion table, sharing a message of love amid the immigration crackdown.
"This is exactly where Jesus would be. Jesus would be speaking truth to power and making sure that the people whose voices are being silenced, that their voices are being heard and that when people are being harmed people of faith need to be standing in the way with our bodies and our spirits and songs," said Urban Village Church Rev. Abby Holcombe.
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Friday morning's demonstration got underway after a federal judge granted the state's temporary restraining order, barring National Guards troops from taking part in immigration operations.
That TRO is in effect for two weeks and could be extended. The appeal filed by the DOJ is still pending.
Chopper 7 captured dozens of National Guard members gathering outside the Army Reserve training facility in far southwest suburban Elwood on Friday morning.
Judge April Perry's decision came hours after the Guard arrived at the Broadview immigration facility on Thursday. Troops could be seen walking around and lingering near the facility.
The Trump administration has argued that the bolstered military presence is needed to protect federal property and employees. But the judge said the government's claims about an out-of-control public on the brink of rebellion were not credible.
The White House responded to the judge's move to grant a temporary restraining order, writing, in part, "President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities and we expect to be vindicated by a higher court."
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement, saying, "President Trump is using his lawful authority to direct the National Guard to protect federal assets and personnel in Chicago following violent riots where officers have been assaulted and doxed by left-wing rioters. The President's lawful actions will make Chicago safer. We have the law and supremacy clause on our side."
Illinois Democrats praise court ruling on National Guard deployments
Illinois Democrats, including Governor JB Pritzker, are claiming victory in the battle to keep the National Guard from being deployed the Chicago area. However, they concede it's a temporary win as the legal battle continues to play out in court.
Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin tried to visit the ICE processing facility on Friday but were denied access. They are joining the governor in praising the court ruling that put the National Guard deployment on hold.
Sen. Duckworth dropped off a case of water and, along with Sen. Durbin, offered words of encouragement to protesters who continue their anti-ICE demonstrations in Broadview.
A short time earlier, a bus pulled up behind the perimeter fence at the federal immigration facility and what appeared to be members of the National Guard were seen getting out. However, their mission is now on hold after Wednesday's ruling by a federal judge who granted the state a temporary restraining order against any guard deployment. It came with a stern rebuke to claims by the Trump administration about why the Guard was needed.
"She said the information given to the court was unreliable," Durbin said. "It's a point we've made over and over again."
After a morning education awards event, Governor Pritzker noted the restraining order was just for two weeks, and the real court battle is still ahead.
"But I'm pleased at the outcome, and I was hopeful that this might take place," Pritzker said. "So we do not therefore have Texas National Guard or Illinois National Guard or California National Guard, which are here, deployed anywhere in the city of Chicago or the state of Illinois."
The two senators also took time to visit front line protesters, encouraging them to do so peacefully, but also to respect the National Guard.
"They signed up to be tank drivers because you'd be practicing driving tanks," Sen. Duckworth said. "They should be practicing to defend America against our enemies around the world, and that's what they would rather be doing. So what I've been saying to protesters, to people of Chicago, be kind to the guardsmen and women. They're here against their will."
The senators are frustrated by the lack of transparency about operations inside the ICE processing center.
"I've never had this kind of stonewalling by any presidential administration, something's going on in there that they don't want us to see," Durbin said. "I don't know what it is. All Americans should be asking the same question. What is it? Can you justify it under the Constitution?"
So for now, while "Operation Midway Blitz" continues with the National Guard remains sidelined while their fate is fought out in court.
Judge rules fencing surrounding Broadview ICE facility must come down
Meanwhile, a judge has ordered the removal of a fence surrounding the Broadview facility by not later than 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.
Attorneys for the federal government argued that the fencing across Beach Street was needed to conduct business and to protect vehicles and personnel, after conflicts erupted during protests of ICE action during "Operation Midway Blitz."
The village of Broadview said the fence was put up without village approval, and it blocks emergency response.
The judge sided with Broadview officials, granting their request for a TRO.
Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson issued a statement, saying, "This is a validation of local law and, most importantly, a decisive win for public safety. The judge's decision confirms that the illegal fence constructed by ICE is not only a clear defiance of Broadview's ordinance but an unacceptable and escalating risk to our Beach Street businesses, their customers, and our first responders. The law of probability dictates that the danger increases daily. The court has spoken clearly and unequivocally. Now, it remains to be seen if ICE will respect the judge's order and dismantle this hazard immediately, or if they will continue their pattern of defiance."
Village of Broadview General Counsel Michael Del Galdo issued a statement, saying, "The court ruled that this unauthorized ICE fence in Broadview had to go, plain and simple. Its construction on the Village's land was causing harm because it was actively blocking Broadview Fire Department from doing its jobs-specifically, protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare. When you weigh the stakes, the decision was clear: the Village must have unrestricted access to its own property to enforce its powers, and, most importantly, the public interest demands that government agencies - even the federal government - follow the law, not break it."
The fence was still standing when ABC7 cameras were on the scene on Friday morning.
Protest hours in Broadview are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, but it is not clear if demonstrators plan to adhere to the guidance.
