Broadview mayor says operation 'Midway Blitz' cost village and businesses $700K, seeks reimbursement

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) -- The mayor of west suburban Broadview is asking the federal government to repay the village for costs from the Department of Homeland Security's Chicago-area immigration operation "Midway Blitz."

Mayor Katrina Thompson says the operation cost village businesses and services more than $700,000, and she now wants that reimbursed.

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Thompson sent a letter to federal lawmakers representing Illinois to call for support for the reimbursement and for support in permanently closing the Broadview ICE facility.

"Broadview did not ask for this operation, and our residents, our police officers, our firefighters, our business owners should not be the ones paying for it," said Thompson. "I advocated for federal reimbursement for communities like ours impacted by ICE operations, emphasizing that local taxpayers should not bear the cost of federal responsibilities. I also pushed for the closure of the Broadview ICE Processing Center, centering dignity, safety, and a stronger vision for our community."

SEE ALSO | Cook County state's attorney opposes push for special prosecutor to probe operation 'Midway Blitz'